Zuko Komisa
- A 47-year-old Free State police officer has killed three people and injured two others before turning the gun on himself in Hennenman.
- The Rural Safety Coordinator opened fire at a family gathering in the early hours of Sunday, 7 June, after failing to locate his girlfriend.
- The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has launched a full investigation into multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.
A devastating shooting involving an off-duty South African Police Service (SAPS) officer has left three people dead and two injured in Hennenman, Free State.
The 47-year-old Rural Safety Coordinator also died at the scene after turning the weapon on himself.
The tragedy unfolded at around 00:30 on Sunday, 7 June, after the officer, who had reported for duty on Saturday afternoon, went searching for his girlfriend at Whittes Plot. When he failed to find her, he travelled with her uncle to a nearby family gathering.
Upon being told again that his girlfriend was not present, an argument broke out. The officer opened fire, killing his girlfriend’s mother, her uncle, and a 25-year-old woman.
Two other people were wounded, with one hospitalised and another treated at the scene for a graze injury, before the officer returned to his vehicle and shot himself.
Condemning the killings, Free State Provincial Commissioner Thabang Lesia stated:
“This is a deeply disturbing and senseless incident that has left several families devastated. On behalf of the South African Police Service in the Free State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives…”
While the motive remains unknown, Lesia stressed that there is no justification for the officer’s conduct. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken over the case and will investigate the murders, attempted murders, and the officer’s inquest.
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