An off-duty Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer has been arrested following the fatal shooting of a fellow off-duty JMPD officer during an incident in Glenridge Extension 16, Protea Glen, Soweto, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. and is believed to have stemmed from a domestic dispute. Authorities are still investigating the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Initial information indicates that the suspect, who is also a JMPD officer, was involved in an argument with her girlfriend. It is alleged that she then contacted a fellow officer, reported in some social media posts as Palesa Rikhotso, and asked the colleague to assist by transporting her girlfriend away from the residence.
As the vehicle, described as a white Kia sedan, was leaving the area with the girlfriend inside, the suspect allegedly discharged several rounds from her service firearm toward the departing vehicle. The responding officer sustained fatal injuries and was declared deceased. The vehicle also sustained damage during the incident.
Law enforcement officers responded to the scene shortly after the shooting, where the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. A murder case has since been opened at Protea SAPS.
Because the incident involved the alleged use of a police-issued service firearm, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken over the investigation in accordance with its mandate. Reports indicate that a Glock 19 service pistol was seized as part of the investigation.
The arrested officer is expected to appear before court, where the legal process will begin. At this stage, authorities have not released further details regarding the motive, and investigations remain ongoing.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community, as it involves two colleagues serving in the same municipal police department. It also highlights the serious consequences that can arise when personal disputes escalate into acts of violence.
Officials have urged members of the public to allow the investigation to run its course and to avoid speculation while detectives and IPID continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department is expected to cooperate fully with investigators as the matter proceeds through the criminal justice system. Further updates are likely to be provided once court proceedings begin and additional information becomes available.
The thoughts of many remain with the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased officer during this difficult time.
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