By: Natasha Archary

A South African Police Service (SAPS) Sergeant appeared at Emalahleni Court on Tuesday, 03 September 2024 after a disturbing incident in which he allegedly shot and killed his wife, Elsie Mothali.
The incident occurred in Witbank in the early hours of Sunday morning at about 03:00am and the 37-year-old woman was shot several times whilst driving.
Her vehicle then crashed into a fence and got stuck in a trench.
Thereafter, the 39-year-old Sergeant handed himself over to police in Witbank and also handed over a firearm, believed to have been used in the crime.
The weapon is suspected to be a state-issued firearm and ballistic testing will be conducted as part of the probe.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has strongly condemned the incident, saying the motive is unknown at this stage, although domestic violence cannot be ruled out.
“When members are issued with firearms, they should always bear in mind that such firearms are solemnly used to fight crime and defend themselves when their lives, or those around them, are in danger. Such reports like this one draws us back in our fight against Gender-Based-Violence and Femicide. Members should seek professional help whenever they come across challenges in their families. The SAPS has put in place, Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) Component to assist members with their challenges, and their services are free of charge.”
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the matter.
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