An off-duty Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer has been arrested after allegedly shooting and killing a fellow off-duty officer during what authorities describe as a domestic dispute in Protea Glen, Soweto, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The fatal shooting occurred at approximately 3.30am in Glenridge Extension 16, sending shock through the metropolitan police ranks and leaving one officer dead at the scene.
According to JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla, preliminary reports suggest that the incident unfolded after the suspect officer became involved in a domestic altercation with her girlfriend at her residence.
In an attempt to defuse the situation, the officer allegedly contacted a colleague and friend — who was also an off-duty JMPD officer — to assist in transporting the girlfriend away from the scene.
The responding officer arrived at the residence shortly thereafter. The girlfriend reportedly entered her white Kia sedan, preparing to leave the premises.
It was at that moment, police say, that the situation escalated dramatically.
Fihla said that as the vehicle was driving away, the suspect allegedly discharged her service firearm multiple times.
“Tragically, the responding off-duty officer sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the shooting.
“The vehicle sustained extensive damage to both its front and rear windows.
“The suspect, a female JMPD officer, was arrested at the scene immediately following the incident.
“In line with legal protocols, the identity of the suspect cannot be revealed at this stage and will only be made public once she has formally appeared in court.”
Authorities have also withheld the identity of the deceased officer.
Fihla confirmed that the name of the slain officer will not be released until her family has been formally notified and afforded privacy during the initial stages of mourning.
He added that members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) processed the crime scene and registered a murder case at Protea SAPS.
The shooting has now triggered a formal investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), as required in cases involving law enforcement officers discharging service firearms.
Fihla said: “As this matter involves a law enforcement officer discharging a service firearm, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been formally notified and has taken over the primary investigation.
“The JMPD is deeply saddened by this senseless loss of life within our ranks. We are fully cooperating with SAPS and IPID investigators to ensure justice is served.
“Out of respect for the grieving families and the sensitive nature of the ongoing criminal investigation, no further comments will be issued at this stage.”
While the precise motive remains under investigation, early indications point to a domestic dispute that spiralled into deadly violence.
The circumstances surrounding the altercation — including what transpired between the suspect and her girlfriend before the colleague was called to the scene — are expected to form a central part of IPID’s inquiry.
Investigators will also examine the discharge of the service firearm, the number of shots fired and whether any warning or attempt at de-escalation occurred before the shooting.
The death of a metro police officer at the hands of a colleague has left the department grappling with profound internal shock. Law enforcement agencies are often called upon to respond to domestic violence incidents in communities across the city. This time, however, the tragedy unfolded within their own ranks.
As of Sunday, the suspect remained in custody and is expected to appear in court once formally charged. Details regarding her court appearance are likely to be confirmed once the docket is enrolled.
The incident underscores the devastating consequences that can arise when firearms are discharged in emotionally charged domestic situations — particularly when those involved are trained law enforcement officers entrusted with upholding the law.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the bereaved family of the slain officer and ensuring that the investigation proceeds without interference.
Authorities have urged the public to allow due legal process to take its course, reiterating that further details will only be released once appropriate and lawful to do so.
