A MAN was shot and killed by a police officer whom he had allegedly tried to stab while he was attending a domestic violence incident yesterday in Mpopomeni township in the Midlands

The police had found ex-lovers fighting after being called to the house.

But when the police intervened the man allegedly went to the house and came back with a sharp object to attack officers.

Police spokesperson Vincent Mdunge said the police had separated the ex-lovers but the man drew a sharp object and attacked the officers.

"An officer tried to run away, but he fell to the ground. He drew his service pistol and fired one shot at the man," Mdunge said.

"The man was hit in the stomach and died on the scene."

Police have opened an inquest docket. - Mhlaba Memela