SECURITY was tight as a Detective Sergeant (43), who is attached to Bushbuckridge cop shop, briefly appeared in the Bushbuckridge Magistrates Court on Thursday, 29 June.
He was not asked to plead before Magistrate Robert Mokobe for allegedly shooting and killing his lover (36) with his service pistol at her workplace.
Public Prosecutor, Aletta Mnisi, said the accused faces a serious count of murder which falls under schedule six offence.
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Brigadier Selvy Mohlala confirmed that an off-duty police Sergeant allegedly fatally shot a woman at a fuel station in Bushbuckridge on Tuesday, 27 June around 10.55 pm.
"The victim was in the kiosk behind the counter where she was employed as a cashier when the man, who is a police Sergeant, reportedly entered the kiosk. Further information indicates he was permitted by the security guard to enter as he was known to be a police officer who often visited the woman.
Brigadier Mohlala also confirmed that an argument ensued between the accused and the woman.
"Surprisingly, the member allegedly drew his service pistol during the heated conversation and shot her multiple times. Thereafter the security guard managed to lock the suspect inside the kiosk before he and other employees ran for their lives, leaving him behind with the victim bleeding profusely. The female victim sustained gunshot wounds," he said.
He said the police in Bushbuckridge were alerted and they swiftly responded to the call, only to find the member still inside the kiosk.
"He was then disarmed and arrested. He was charged with murder. The service firearm was seized for further investigation. The paramedics also attended the scene however the woman was unfortunately certified dead," he said.
Brigadier Mohlala added that Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was informed and they would conduct an investigation.
"The Sergeant worked under Detective Services in Bushbuckridge. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage however domestic violence cannot be ruled out," he said.
The matter has been postponed to Wednesday, 5 July, for formal bail application.
