OFFICERS at Tinmyne police station outside Mokopane in Limpopo have raised fears for their safety after a colleague's service pistol was returned to him.

This despite the fact that the colleague had been declared unfit to handle a firearm.

The officers say they are living in fear after a sergeant, previously attached to Mahwelereng police station, was moved to their station.

The officer, identified only as Sergeant Mokonyane, was last year declared unfit to handle a firearm.

This was after he attempted to commit suicide by shooting himself.

The suicide attempt was allegedly prompted by problems Mokonyane, who is married, was having with his girlfriend.

Mokonyane spent six months undergoing treatment and mental observation at Groothoek Hospital.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Ronel Otto said they would investigate what circumstances might have led to Mokonyane being given back the gun.

"If any negligence is found we will take appropriate action," Otto said.