Atlantis ‘killer’ cop surrenders
|Published
FATAL: Officer’s sister-in-law was killed and six others injured in shooting at Witsands house. Photo: Leon Knipe/ANA Pictures FATAL: Officer’s sister-in-law was killed and six others injured in shooting at Witsands house. Photo: Leon Knipe/ANA Pictures
An internal investigation has been launched into why the cop who allegedly went on a shooting spree in Atlantis on Sunday was still in possession of his service pistol after he was arrested for domestic violence last week.
Constable Bonani Nkonzo, 32, has since been arrested after handing himself over to police and will appear in court on Tuesday.
On Sunday afternoon, Nkonzo allegedly shot and killed his sister-in-law, and wounded six others including his wife and an eight-year-old child while they were at a family gathering.
Nkonzo works at the Local Criminal Record Centre at both Table View and Cape Town police stations.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate spokesperson, Moses Dlamini, confirmed Nkonzo had been on the run after fleeing the scene in Hector Petersen Street in Witsands, with his son, who has since been placed in the care of relatives.
“A 32-year-old constable is in custody for shooting dead his sister-in-law and injuring six others in Witsands, Atlantis,” says Dlamini.
“It is alleged the suspect went to his house in Hector Petersen Street, where he found a lot of people and asked his wife who these people were. The policeman took out his service pistol and fired several shots toward the people, killing one person and injuring six others, including an eight-year-old child.
“All the injured received medical treatment at the local hospital. Two females are in a critical condition at Groote Schuur Hospital. The child was transferred to Red Cross children’s hospital.
“The suspect handed himself over to the police. He will appear at Atlantis Magistrate's Court on 31 October. A docket of murder and attempted murder has been registered.”
Colleagues said Nkonzo had been arrested last week for domestic violence and questioned why he still had his service pistol.
Family and friends revealed Nkonzo was going through a divorce.
They said his wife had obtained a protection order and he had been evicted from their home and had apparently sought assistance from his bosses.
Dlamini says he can't comment on the claims as the matter is under investigation.
Lieutenant Colonel André Traut says counselling is offered on a daily basis for stressed officers: “Reactive level counselling programmes are available from psychologists, social workers and chaplains.
“The medical aid of the South African Police Service, POLMED, also offers additional counselling and therapy benefits to police officials. These services are available 24/7 to all employees and their families.”