Gunman in Durban Magistrates Court shooting dies
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have confirmed that an off-duty policeman - accused of shooting and killing his wife and her brother before turning the gun on himself inside the Durban Magistrates Court - has died in hospital.
Spokesperson Thembeka Mbhele says the 32-year-old officer died on Mondayt night.
"The suspect is a police officer stationed outside Durban. For now, we cannot talk much because we are in the early stages of the investigation."
The officer, from a station in KwaMashu, allegedly shot the pair multiple times before turning the gun on himself during divorce proceedings on the eighth floor of O court yesterday. Mbhele says an inquest docket has been opened.
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Meanwhile, court officials and others who witnessed the shooting will receive trauma counselling on Tuesday.
Mbhele says witnesses who were interviewed by detectives yesterday, were left traumatised.
Justice officials are trying to establish how an off-duty policeman was allowed inside with a gun.
"One can understand how a police officer - whether on or off-duty - would be allowed in court premises with a firearm. Obviously, the policing needs to be tightened somewhat," the department's Mukoni Ratshitanga says.
Ratshitanga says court hearings will continue on Tuesday.
"Generally, we would like to reassure the nation that this is not the norm but rather an exception. Our courts are generally safe to users and staff."