Cop took his life after killing four

THE Durban Metro Police constable who died in a mass killing at his city flat on Monday committed suicide, police have confirmed, most likely after shooting dead three other people and injuring four more.

Police have also confirmed the death of a fourth person who had sustained serious injuries during the shooting and was hospitalised.

The other three, including the officer, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbhele, told the Daily News yesterday that an inquest docket had been opened relating to the officer’s suicide.

“Following the investigations of today, I can confirm an inquest docket has been opened,” said Mbhele.

She said police were also investigating three murders and four cases of attempted murder. The four remaining victims were still hospitalised, she said.

The shooting took place at around midday at the constable’s first floor flat in a block called Teesav, located just behind the Durban High Court, on JN Singh Street (formerly Baker Street).

The 39-year-old officer, based at Albert Park, was off-duty at the time of the incident.

A police delegation met the family of the officer, Durban Metro Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad said.

When they arrived at the scene on Monday, paramedics described the crime scene as “a blood bath”.

One firearm was recovered at the scene. According to witnesses, there appeared to be some sort of a gathering at the flat before multiple shots were heard.