A Johannesburg firefighter is in custody, facing charges of murder and attempted murder following a violent rampage that left his girlfriend dead, his brother injured, a colleague wounded, and his car ablaze.
The events unfolded on Sunday morning, leaving a trail of devastation and raising serious questions about the suspect’s mental state and the potential for workplace violence.
The suspect, a firefighter stationed at Diepsloot Fire Station, allegedly began his violent spree with an altercation with his girlfriend. The details of this initial confrontation remain unclear, but it escalated tragically.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi: “When his mother and brother tried to intervene, he shot them, injuring his brother and afterwards turning the gun on his girlfriend who was declared dead on the scene.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, the suspect then proceeded to go to work. At the Diepsloot Fire Station, he allegedly shot a colleague, further demonstrating the shocking extent of his violent outburst. Johannesburg Emergency Services Management spokesperson Nana Radebe confirmed the incident.
: “A shooting incident happened involving our employees at Diepsloot Fire Station. One of our employees was shot by an off-duty firefighter [on Sunday morning]. The injured firefighter was rushed to a nearby medical facility, and the matter has been reported to the SAPS for investigations,” said Nana Radebe.
Adding to the disturbing nature of the events, the suspect’s car was found burnt out. The motive behind setting the car alight remains unclear, but it contributes to the overall picture of a man consumed by rage and violence.
The police have seized the firearm used in the attacks, and the suspect is expected to appear in Soshanguve magistrate's court on Tuesday to face the charges against him.
The suspect’s actions are all the more disturbing given a Facebook post he made before the events. The post, chilling in its premonition, read: “When I’m gone don’t cry for me. Celebrate me.”
This statement, made hours before the violent rampage, suggests a possible premeditation or a profound sense of detachment from the consequences of his actions. The post further adds to the complexities surrounding the case, prompting questions about the suspect’s mental health and the potential warning signs that may have been missed.
