Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : South African Police Investigate Fatal Shooting Incident in Giyani Tavern
South African police have launched a comprehensive investigation into a tragic incident that occurred at a tavern in N’wadzekudzeku village, Giyani. A 37-year-old police sergeant shot and killed one person while injuring three others in the early hours of Friday, December 15, 2023.
According to the spokesperson for the Limpopo police, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, officers received a report about the shooting incident and upon arrival at the scene, they discovered four individuals with gunshot wounds. Tragically, one of the victims succumbed to their injuries, while the remaining three were rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Preliminary information suggests that the 37-year-old police sergeant engaged in a heated argument with patrons at the tavern, including the deceased and his companions. In a fit of rage, the sergeant pulled out a firearm and unleashed a volley of shots at the group.
Despite attempts by some customers to apprehend the perpetrator, he fired indiscriminately and fled the scene. Smangaliso Hlungwani, a 26-year-old resident of N’wadzekudzeku village, tragically lost his life during the incident.
Further investigation has revealed that the suspect, identified as Sukani Page Khosa, returned to his residence in the same village and turned the gun on himself, resulting in his immediate demise. Khosa was a police sergeant attached to the Mopani district office of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The police have initiated a case of murder, along with three counts of attempted murder and an inquest. Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the provincial commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo, has condemned the incident in the strongest terms.
“This unexpected incident, where our police officer is the prime suspect instead of serving communities during this festive period, is deeply troubling,” said Hadebe. “Law enforcement officials should conduct themselves within the framework of the law, both on and off duty, without resorting to unnecessary violence.”
The investigation into this tragic incident is still ongoing, as the police work diligently to uncover all the facts surrounding this senseless act of violence.