A night vigil in Cliffdale, Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, tragically turned into a scene of carnage on Saturday night, leaving four people dead, including two senior police officers. A 38-year-old suspect has been apprehended, bringing a swift, if grim, conclusion to the investigation.
The incident unfolded as three police officers responded to a reported murder at the vigil, just after 7:30 pm. According to Brigadier Jay Naicker, the KZN police spokesperson, the officers arrived at the scene to find themselves caught in a hail of gunfire. Naicker recounted the events: "While they were attending to the [original] crime scene, it is alleged that the perpetrator returned and opened fire on the police officers, fatally wounding two of them. The suspect is further alleged to have then shot another elderly woman at the scene before fleeing."
Police insiders shed further light on the sequence of events. They revealed that the Hammarsdale station commander and a detective commander were processing the original murder scene when the attack occurred. A family member reportedly identified a man wearing a surgical face mask standing opposite the vigil tent as the suspect. The detective commander drew his weapon, but the suspect charged, firing a revolver. Despite returning fire, the detective commander was fatally wounded. The station commander, attempting to assist his colleague, was also fatally shot. Both officers were in their fifties.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed the grim scene upon their arrival, escorted by police to the active crime scene. Jamieson described the scene within the tent: "Paramedics were shown where three people were found around the tent. Two men who were members of the South African Police Service had sustained gunshot wounds, and, unfortunately, there was nothing paramedics could do for them. They were declared deceased on the scene." He added that two women, believed to be a mother and daughter, were also found with fatal gunshot wounds.
The swift arrest of the suspect unfolded after police received information about a man matching the description of the assailant receiving treatment at St Mary's Hospital. Naicker detailed the apprehension: "The team received information of a man fitting the description of the suspect receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital. Police officers swiftly responded and placed the suspect under arrest pending further investigation."
The incident has prompted strong condemnation from Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the provincial police commissioner. He expressed his sorrow and outrage: "It is very sad indeed to attend scenes of crimes where police officers are gunned down just because they have responded to the call of duty. The swift arrest of a suspect in this case is commended. I would like to extend my condolences to the families of our fallen heroes."
The third officer at the scene escaped unharmed. The loss of the two senior officers represents a significant blow to the Hammarsdale police station and the wider KwaZulu-Natal police force. The station commander and detective commander were both experienced and respected members of the force, dedicated to serving and protecting their community.
