A 32-year-old detective police constable, Sibusiso Mxolisi Hlophe, has been remanded in custody after appearing before the Carolina Magistrate’s Court on charges of killing his spouse and her mother. The incident took place in Carolina around 3:15 am on Sunday, resulting in the death of the detective’s partner and her mother, with the stepfather sustaining gunshot injuries.
According to Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the provincial police spokesperson in Mpumalanga, the tragic events unfolded when Hlophe called the mother of his children, claiming a vehicle breakdown and requesting assistance in towing his car. Unbeknownst to the family, a tragedy awaited them.
Upon their arrival at the purported breakdown site in a Volkswagen Polo, Hlophe allegedly opened fire, fatally shooting his partner and her mother. The stepfather sustained gunshot wounds but survived. Following the shooting, the detective fled the scene in his partner’s vehicle with the three minor children, leaving the victims injured.
The suspect reportedly lost control of the vehicle during the escape, leading to a capsizing. Police were alerted, and upon arrival, Hlophe was arrested. One of the children was taken to the hospital for minor injuries. The firearm used in the incident was confiscated, and investigations are ongoing to determine if it is an official SAPS firearm.
Tragically, the children’s mother and grandmother were pronounced dead at the scene, while the grandfather was hospitalized. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) will conduct its own investigation into the incident.
Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the provincial police commissioner, expressed disappointment over the incident and urged police officers to seek professional help in times of difficulty. Last year, a similar incident involving a police constable in Mpumalanga resulted in the fatal shooting of his wife, her sister, and her brother during a family meeting to resolve disputes.