Ex-boyfriend kills woman in attack, shot dead by police

A suspect was shot dead in the Free State during a shootout with police.

A domestic incident in the Free State has resulted in the death of man in a shootout with police, after he killed his ex-girlfriend.

The incident took place in Tweeling on Tuesday, when the man killed a 36-year-old woman.

The provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, said initial information received revealed the gunman had been waiting for his ex-girlfriend.

“According to the preliminary information, the victim had knocked off duty as usual at approximately 5.45pm at her workplace in Reitz and proceeded towards a hiking spot in the direction of Tweeling. She reportedly boarded a white motor vehicle, unaware that her former boyfriend was already inside and had allegedly planned an attack against her,” Mbambo said.

“Shortly thereafter, the suspect also got out of the vehicle, allegedly grabbed her and shot her in the head at close range. The suspect then fled the scene in the direction of Reitz,” Mbambo said.

The police were immediately alerted and provided with information regarding the man’s movements. Two police vehicles, one from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) and another from Tweeling Visible Policing, responded swiftly and pursued the man.

“Members of the FCS Unit, travelling in a Mahindra vehicle and dressed in civilian clothing, stopped alongside him. The suspect approached the vehicle, apparently believing that the occupants were offering him a lift. As he engaged with the members, the suspect noticed a second police vehicle, occupied by members dressed in police uniform, stopping behind the Mahindra,” Mbambo said.

The suspect drew his firearm and opened fire on the uniformed members, while still unaware that the occupants of the Mahindra were also police officers.

“The members in the Mahindra immediately responded to the attack, and the suspect was fatally wounded during the ensuing exchange of gunfire.”

Police have opened a murder case in connection with the shooting of the woman. An inquest docket was registered regarding the death of the 40-year-old gunman.

The circumstances surrounding the man’s death will be investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).

The Free State Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thabang Lesia, condemned the woman's murder and expressed concern over the escalation of domestic violence-related incidents. He commended the members of the public who alerted the police and provided information that assisted officers in locating the gunman.

“The swift response by the members of the FCS Unit and Tweeling Visible Policing demonstrates the importance of effective collaboration between the community and the police in responding to incidents of violence,” Lesia said.