Pertunia Ratsatsi

Pertunia Ratsatsi

A 44-year-old Gauteng police officer shot and killed his girlfriend before turning the gun on himself on Christmas Day.

Inspector Morake Harry Masenya, who was attached to Pienaarsrivier police station near Hammanskraal, shot his girlfriend Refilwe Margaret Malope, 40, in the head and later shot himself in the mouth.

The incident happened at Malope's village in Phake, Mamehlake, near Mhlanga, at about 7pm on Tuesday.

Police said Masenya went to Malope's house where they had an argument.

During the argument Masenya produced a firearm.

Police spokesman Captain Leonard Hlathi said: " Malope tried to run to her brother's house where the door was locked."

While she was busy knocking at the door, Masenya arrived and shot her once in the head.

After shooting her he started shooting randomly at bystanders who were trying to get closer to the house. No one was injured.

He then shot himself in the mouth.

Police were called in and Masenya was rushed to the Mamahlake Hospital where he died on arrival.

Police are investigating a murder case and have opened an inquest docket.