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A Mthatha Flying Squad youth police officer and his cousin committed suicide on Saturday after the annual Youth Day celebration.
It is understood that the off-duty 35-year-old constable shot and killed himself with his work firearm after witnessing the death of his 20-year-old cousin.
His cousin is said to have committed suicide with the police officer’s work pistol at the officer’s house in Sisson Street, Fort Gale in Mthatha.
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The Zwelitsha provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene, said the police were informed that on Saturday at about 23:30, the 35-year-old constable and his cousin were allegedly at his (police officer) house with their girlfriends when the incident occurred.
His cousin stepped out of the house.
“Soon after the 20-year-old cousin walked outside, a shot was heard. When everyone ran outside, they found the cousin lying against the wall with a gunshot wound to his head.”
Mene added:
Mene said they are saddened by the tragic death of the constable and his cousin.
The circumstances surrounding the double tragedy are under investigation. Mene said police have opened inquest dockets following the incident. But Mene reiterated that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
Mene urged police officers to report to their commanders any matters that may be causing them emotional or mental stress.
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“We have an in-house employee health and wellness department with trained psychologists and social workers to assist members to deal with their emotional stress or problems. We advise our members that resorting to extreme measures such as this (suicide) is not a solution. There is no problem too big that cannot be resolved.”
Mene further said:
Mene added the names of the deceased have been withheld “until a formal identification is done”.
