A 39-year-old member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) was last week detained for the gruesome murder of his pregnant ex-wife. The incident happened last Wednesday morning at the Brits Hospital, where the deceased was an employee of the Department of Health in the North West province.
This tragic incident raised eyebrows and prompted the Provincial Health Department MEC, Madoda Sambatha, to act swiftly by paying the hospital and the deceased’s family a visit.
SAPS Provincial Spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed the incident and further elaborated that the culprit had handed himself over after the gruesome incident. Reports have indicated that the incident occurred at the medical facility's public parking area.
According to a statement released by the health department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, the MEC quickly acted on the incident and requested the hospital management to meet with the affected family to redress them urgently.
"This is a gruesome experience. It has shocked the family and our staff. Thanks to the hospital management, who acted swiftly to provide counselling and support. I believe the police and other law enforcement agencies will not let the family down but will ensure that justice is served,” said MEC Sambatha.
The MEC further elaborated that the culprit followed the deceased to her workplace premises before he shot her several times. Sambatha expressed that he was very concerned with the security design checks at the hospital. “Once people get in the gate and are inside the premises, they should be guaranteed safety at all times, and that is an issue we will focus on going forward," stated MEC Sambatha.
The culprit, reportedly stationed at Rapid Rail in Silverton, Pretoria, and resides in Ga-Rankuwa, is currently in detention and is expected to appear in court soon. According to the SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lt. General Sello Kwena, this is the second incident of a similar nature involving their member(s) in less than two months.
By Lebogang Moeng
