Police in Mpumalanga have launched a high-level investigation into a deadly shooting in KwaMhlanga that left a female constable injured, her 69-year-old mother dead, and a male constable fatally shot in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The incident unfolded at about 2.30 am in Suncity A, KwaMhlanga. According to police, the two constables were in a romantic relationship.
“Circumstances surrounding this incident are being investigated. However, the two police constables are said to have been an item. The police in KwaMhlanga received a complaint about a shooting, and upon arrival, they found the body of the old woman with gunshot wounds.
“At the crime scene, police also found the body of the male constable who had also succumbed to gunshot wounds,” said provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.
The 69-year-old woman and the male constable were certified dead by paramedics who also attended the scene.
“Meanwhile, the female constable was taken to the hospital for medical treatment after being reportedly shot as well. Two firearms, believed to be that of the state, as well as some cartridges, were collected at the crime scene,” said Mdhluli.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been called in to probe the circumstances surrounding the shooting, while police investigations continue. Police said the motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage. No one has been arrested so far.
“Police cannot rule out possibilities that the incident could be related to domestic violence,” said Mdhluli.
Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, described the tragedy as “disheartening” and urged police officers to make use of support services when faced with personal difficulties.
“On Wednesday, 03 September 2025, we hosted the POLMED Symposium in White River with the hope of encouraging members to make use of their medical scheme as well as exhausting resources within their reach whenever they go through life challenges,” said Mkhwanazi.
“These resources are readily available for them. It is so disheartening to hear of such tragic incidents happening to our members.”
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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