Police officer allegedly kills wife and her two siblings in KaMajika
The three siblings were buried at their village in Tekamahala on May 7, while the police officer is still in custody.
A law enforcement officer allegedly used his service pistol to kill three family members, one of which his wife, in KaMajika on Sunday April 30.
Sergeant Sizwe Khoza of the Masoyi Police Station was, according to the family members, present at a family meeting at home to resolve some domestic issues. Apparently there had been incidences of domestic violence between Khoza and his wife.
The policeman, his mother and uncle, his wife and two of her siblings, were said to have been present. During the discussion, Khoza allegedly went to his bedroom and returned with his service pistol, which he allegedly started firing, killing his wife and her two siblings.
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The suspect handed himself in at the Hazyview Police Station and appeared in the KaBokweni Magistrate’s Court. The case was postponed to June 6 for formal bail application. He has been remanded in police custody.
The three deceased were identified as Nomthandazo Mnisi (35), the sergeant’s wife and a nurse at Marite Clinic; her sister, Colisile Mnisi (32), a nurse at Matikwane Hospital; and her brother, Dennis Mkhantshwa (42).
A family member of Nomthandazo’s, Millicent, said the family had been urging Nomthadazo to leave the marriage for several meetings when they realised she was being abused.
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“She refused to listen to us and always protected her husband with the hope that he would change. We knew he would one day take her life, but never thought some of our family members would also fall victim to this man.
“They went there to try and resolve some issues, but paid with their lives. The sergeant was apparently known for his temper and anger outbursts.”
She also said the family had hoped he would be denied bail, as they fear he might return and finish what he started, or take his own life to avoid jail time.
“We believe the law will take its own course for his safety and ours.”
The family held a mass burial on Sunday May 7.
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Nomthandazo is survived by two sons and an extended family. Colisile also had two daughters, and Dennis is survived by a daughter. They were described as humble siblings who always cared for others despite growing up without parents. They took care of their children and extended family members as their own, and they all had bright futures ahead of them.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate spokesperson, Lizzy Suping, said investigations are ongoing and that they would announce the outcome once these were completed.
Recently, a by-law enforcement officer of the City of Mbombela allegedly shot and killed a transport inspector at a lodge outside Mbombela.
