LIMPOPO – Two police sergeants died in a suspected domestic violence incident at Nkuna Kraal Mall in Nkuzana village in the Mopani District on Saturday afternoon.

According to the Limpopo police, the female victim (a sergeant stationed at Beit Bridge Port of Entry) was with two adults and her six-year-old child when her estranged husband (also a sergeant, attached to the Thohoyandou K9 Unit) approached her.

You might also want to read: Limpopo cop faces culpable homicide over child’s (8) death

The couple had reportedly been separated for about seven months.

The Limpopo police spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba, said an argument allegedly broke out, during which the husband took a service firearm and shot her in the upper body.

“When he attempted to run to the vehicle to flee the scene, the community who observed the entire incident chased and assaulted him, setting him alight next to his vehicle. The vehicle was burnt beyond recognition,” his statement read.

Ledwaba said both the female sergeant and her husband died at the scene.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed shock at the tragedy and urged SAPS members to seek professional help for domestic disputes rather than resorting to violence.

“The SAPS has in place an Employee Health and Wellness Programme that is offered free of charge. We call upon members to make use of these services that are at their disposal,” she said.

Ledwaba said cases of murder have been opened and urge anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Stanley Chauke on 072 554 3141, the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, or via the MySAPSApp.

“Investigations continue,” he concluded.