A police officer was shot dead after swearing and slapping at a lady who had turned down his love advances in KwaZulu-Natal.
What Led To The Police Officer Getting Shot Dead
The incident unfolded on 5 December 2023 when 30-year-old Constable Mthobisi Msane, stationed at the Esikhaleni Police Station, allegedly encountered a young woman while driving through the township. He was off duty on the day. Witnesses told Zimoja that Constable Msane proposed love to the woman. When she rebuffed his advances, an eyewitness claimed that Msane swore at her.
Things took a violent turn when the woman fired back with strong language, prompting Constable Msane to slap her.
“That woman got angry and ran home, which is not far from where the incident happened, to tell her family about the incident. Her brother, who is a known skhothane in the area, came out with a knife, threatening to stab the officer,”
According to reports, Msane responded by firing warning shots to deter the advancing brother. Despite the warning shots, the brother persisted, and Constable Msane shot and killed the woman’s brother.
In a rapid escalation, the woman’s mother, a local taxi boss, heard the gunshots. She whipped out her gun and confronted Constable Msane, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. Tragically, the confrontation claimed the lives of both the grandmother and Constable Msane.
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SAPS Confirms The Tragic Thriller
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed that the Empangeni police are now investigating the incident as a triple murder:
“Information at police’s disposal at this stage suggests that a 30-year-old off-duty police constable stationed at Esikhaleni Police Station had an argument with a female companion, and he reportedly slapped her with an open hand. Reports further indicate that almost immediately, a 55-year-old woman believed to be the mother to the woman who was assaulted arrived at the scene, armed with a firearm and opened fire on the 27-year-old suspect.
“The suspect returned fire, and both the grandmother and the off-duty officer were rushed to the local clinic, where they were certified dead on arrival. The cause of the initial argument that eventually led to the shooting is yet to be determined, although domestic related issues cannot be ruled out.”