Sergeant Tendani Masindi (39), facing the murder of his wife, is expected to make a formal bail application at the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court on September 10.
He made his first court appearance on September 3 and was remanded in custody pending his next appearance.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the wife, Elsie Mothali (37), was shot several times while driving. The vehicle crashed into a fence and got stuck in a trench. The incident took place in eMalahleni at about 03:30 on September 1.
“The sergeant handed himself over to the Witbank police and handed in a firearm believed to have been used in the commission of crime. The weapon is suspected to be a state-issued firearm and ballistic testing will be conducted as part of the probe. He was arrested and the case docket was handed to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate [Ipid] for further handling,” Mdhluli said.
“The motive for the killing is unknown, however, domestic violence cannot be ruled out, but this will form part of the investigation. Preliminary investigation suggests that the couple were having some domestic-related challenges for some reason,” he said.
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Moreover, the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, said although Ipid is handling the investigation, the Mpumalanga police is conducting an internal investigation into the matter as well.
“When members are issued firearms, they should always bear in mind that such firearms are solemnly used to fight crime and to defend themselves when their lives or those around them are in danger. Such reports draw us back in our fight against gender-based violence and femicide. Members should seek professional help whenever they come across challenges in their families. The SAPS has put in place employee health and wellness programmes to assist members,” he said.
