A South African police sergeant, 39, turned himself in to authorities after shooting his pregnant ex-wife outside the Brits Hospital in the North West province on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.
The victim, a 35-year-old switchboard operator, was shot dead at the hospital entrance.
North West police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the officer, stationed at Rapid Rail in Silverton and residing in Ga-Rankuwa, had allegedly gone to the hospital where his ex-wife worked.
“According to information, the wife, who was working as a switchboard operator, was at the hospital entrance when the suspect fired several shots and instantly killed the victim,” Mokgwabone said.
The motive for the incident is unknown, and investigations by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) are ongoing. The couple’s divorce was finalised last year, according to IPID spokesperson Robbie Raburabu.
The police officer is expected to appear in court soon, facing a charge of murder, which IPID is investigating.
The North West provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and offered his condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Health MEC, Madoda Sambatha visited the hospital and called for action against the perpetrator, saying, “He trusts the police will hold the culprit accountable for this sad incident because he can’t think of any reason for a defenceless pregnant woman to be killed in such a cold-blooded way.”
