Student cop kills girlfriend, self

2008-07-19 19:36

Johannesburg - A police trainee shot and killed his girlfriend then turned the gun on himself on Saturday morning in Warrenton, North West police said.

Spokesperson Captain Cherelle Ehlers said the trainee was on duty with another trainee and a constable when the incident took place about 05:30.

"It is alleged that the trainee saw his girlfriend in her car and stopped and confronted her. They then got into a quarrel."

"The other trainee with the couple confiscated the man's firearm when the argument became worse. The trainee then grabbed the constable's firearm and threatened them," she said,

According to the police, the other trainee and constable ran for help. "When they got back the trainee's girlfriend had gunshot wounds on her head, chest and arm."

"She died at the scene. The trainee was found with a gunshot wound to his head. He died later in hospital," said Ehlers.

Police had opened one case of murder and an inquest docket. The motive for the shooting is not yet known.

- SAPA