KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has expressed shocked and sadness at the horrific act of a police officer, who allegedly killed himself, his wife and his two sons in the early hours of Monday, 21 October 2013 at Southport near Port Shepstone.
According to report, police first received a report of a murder at Madlala Location, Southport at approximately 02h00 where a 40-year-old woman was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds on her body. She was identified as Jabu Cele, an admin clerk working at Crime Intelligence in Port Shepstone. A case of murder was opened at Southport police station.
On the same day at about 07h30 members of the Southport police station became suspicious after Warrant Officer Linda Shange (49) did not report for duty at the station. Calls to his phone were not answered. When colleagues went to his house in the area they found that his wife and two sons were shot and killed in the house. They were identified as Fikile Shange (47) and her two sons, Snakekelo (10) and Snakhokonke (15).
Warrant Officer Shange, who was also in the house, was still alive with gunshot wounds on his body.
His service pistol was found lying next to him. He died on his way to hospital. It is alleged that the police officer had an argument with his family and allegedly shot and killed them before turning the gun on himself.
Three counts of murder and an inquest docket was opened at Southport police station for further investigation. The recovered firearm will be sent for ballistic tests to establish if it was used in the killing of his family and the 40-year-old woman.
Police are investigation four counts of murder.
MEC Mchunu has express shock and disgust at this matter.
"I am shocked and saddened about this act. It deeply hurts me. This alleged act by a police officer is unfortunate and totally abhorrent. We will, however, wait for a full investigation and an inquest into this matter before we comment any further," said Mchunu.
Mchunu also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
Media contact:
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 072 803 1462 or 079 699 5755
E-mail: Kwanele.ncalane@kzntransport.gov.za
Mr Sipho Khumalo
Cell: 082 682 6437 or 071 364 7301
E-mail: Siphon.khumalo@comsafety.gov.za
