MOPANI – A police officer stationed at the Lulekani Police Station, Insp William Nkwinika (47) allegedly shot his 22-year-old son before turning the gun on himself. The incident took place at the officer’s home on Sunday night at about 23:00.

According to the spokesperson of the police in the Mopani area, Const Sylvia Hlungwane, it is alleged that the son arrived home towards midnight during the night of the incident. The statement indicates that an argument ensued between the father and the son.

The argument centered around the son’s late arrival. During the argument, the police officer allegedly lost temper, produced a firearm, fired one shot and seriously wounded the son in the head. Preliminary police investigations have revealed that the inspector, who worked as a court orderly in the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court, had used his own licensed private pistol to shoot his son.

Realizing that he had possibly killed his son, the inspector turned the gun on himself and shot himself in the head. He died on the spot. The son was still fighting for his life at the Maphutha Malatjie Hospital in Phalaborwa at the time of going to press.

“We are still not sure whether the deceased had taken out the firearm with the aim of scaring the son or what,” said Const Hlungwane. According to the police statement, indications are that the police officer might have tried to scare the son by taking out his 7.65mm pistol. The police have opened a case of attempted murder and investigations are continuing.