A Hawks officer has been found shot dead in her Table View home, apparently after a domestic dispute.
Described as a seasoned investigator, Colonel Christelle Stemmet, 47, was found with two gunshot wounds to her body just after 8pm on Sunday at her West Beach home.
It is believed Stemmet was not murdered, as the Hawks have opened an inquest, and not a case of murder.
In addition, a source close to the investigation says Stemmet has been sending her husband “suicidal WhatsApp messages”.
“She was saying to him she’s done with life,” says the source.
GONE: Col. Christelle Stemmet, 47
However, the Hawks are remaining tight-lipped on what led to the officer’s death, only saying that officials are still investigating the matter.
It is understood Stemmet was found on a bed in a locked room in her home.
Residents in the area were shocked when they heard about the incident.
A resident, who asked not to be named, says she’s now fearing for her safety.
“We have been living here for three years and things like this just don’t happen around here,” she says.
“Neighbours have all been messaging each other in panic and shock. If this is murder, are we even safe?”
Hawks spokesman, Lt-Col. Philani Nkwalase, confirmed the incident, saying their department is saddened by Stemmet’s shocking death.
INCIDENT: Philani Nkwalase
“The Hawks would like to convey our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Colonel Stemmet.
“The untimely passing of our member, attached to the Serious Corruption Investigation team, occurred on Sunday evening at her home in West Beach at Table View,” Nkwalase said.
He has confirmed that Stemmet’s death is in no way linked to any of the cases she had been working on, as has been speculated.
“It is alleged that two shots were fired and she was fatally wounded. The motive of the incident is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the local detectives. However, preliminary investigation at this stage has ruled out any links to the Hawks’ investigations that she was handling.
“An inquest docket has been opened to explore the circumstances surrounding the death of such a seasoned and dedicated officer.”
robin.francke@inl.co.za