HENNENMAN – Four people are dead after a police officer allegedly opened fire at a family gathering and turned the gun on himself on Sunday 7 June.

According to a police statement, the incident occurred at 00:30 after the 47-year-old officer, a Rural Safety Coordinator at the Hennenman Police Station, drove to the Whittes Plot near Hennenman in search of his girlfriend.

After failing to locate her, he and the girlfriend’s uncle proceeded to another location where an event was taking place and several family members were in attendance.

Upon arrival, family members told the officer his girlfriend was not present. An argument allegedly ensued, during which he allegedly opened fire before returning to his vehicle and allegedly shooting himself.

Three victims — the girlfriend’s mother, her uncle and a 25-year-old woman — were declared dead at the scene. Two other victims sustained gunshot wounds; one was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, while the other sustained a graze wound and was treated at the scene.

Cases of murder and attempted murder will be registered, and an inquest opened — all to be investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). The motive remains unknown and is the subject of an ongoing investigation.

The provincial commissioner of the Free State, Lt Gen Thabang Lesia, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances and strongly condemned the incident.

Lesia extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He said the Free State police remained committed to accountability, professionalism and integrity.

“This is a deeply disturbing and senseless incident that has left several families devastated. There can be no justification for such conduct,” said Lesia.