Cop murder-suicide followed row

Shots fired from service firearm, killing wife, self

THE Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has revealed that the East London policeman who allegedly shot and killed his wife before turning the gun on himself on Sunday, fired five gunshots.

Warrant Officer Manelisi Manzana, 38, and wife, Gcobisa Manzana, were found in a pool of blood at their East London North Street flat on Sunday evening shortly after the gunshots rang out.

Ipid national spokesman Moses Dlamini confirmed that neighbours alerted the police to the gunshots and the couple’s sudden silence following a “big argument”.

Dlamini also revealed that Manzana used a 9mm Vector service firearm to kill his wife.

Dlamini said Manzana joined SAPS on September 9 2006.

“He fired five shots using a state 9mm Vector. The motive [is] still unknown except that witnesses heard that he had an argument with his wife before hearing gunfire.”

Dlamini said a post-mortem and a ballistic test would reveal more details about the shooting.

Manzana worked for the SAPS forensic unit otherwise known as the local criminal record centre (LCRC) in Chiselhurst which falls under the national police.

South African Police Services national spokesman Brigadier Vish Naidoo said: “Due [to] the sensitivity of this incident, the provision of information surrounding it is limited. It will suffice to confirm that there was a shooting which resulted in a police officer and a woman being killed. The circumstances of this incident is still being investigated.”

East London police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Hazel Mqala confirmed that the East London police responded to the scene.

“The case has been handed over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate for investigation. The national office will also take enquiries as the LCRC belongs to the head office,” said Mqala. —