Update: Friend of Murder-suicide victims speaks out

UPDATE: 7 January 2014, 11am –  A friend of the tragic couple, Lana Pereira Marques and Gabriel da Silva, said that both of them were very private people.

This follows the murder-suicide that took place at Parkview Police station. Police officers attended to an alleged domestic dispute between a 45 year old woman and a 47 year old man.

The couple were then taken to the police station and the man insisted on getting his glasses from his car. He then returned with a firearm and shot Lana Pereira Marques and then killed himself. (Scroll down to read the initial report)

The friend noted that it had seemed as if there were no issues, and that they had always appeared loving towards each other.

The couple was supposed to meet their friend for a meal in September last year, however when they cancelled, the friend began to suspect that something was not quite right.

“I just had a bad feeling,” she said.

Though she did not see the couple in person again, she mentioned that she was in contact with Marques. Marques had told her that everything was fine and that they were working things out.

Sources in the community told the Rosebank Killarney Gazette that the couple had only moved into Parkhurst late last year. Their newly-acquired property was worth over R5 million according to real estate valuation site, property24.

UPDATE: 6 January 2015, 4pm – Colonel Lungelo Dlamini from the South African Police said the police are currently investigating a case of murder, and the matter will appear in court, as soon as forensic results have been finalised.

Dlamini identified the two individuals as Gabriel da Silva (47 year old male) and  Lana Pereira Marques (45 year old female), public Facebook posts indicate that friends and family have already been informed and have expressed their condolences.

Though there have been conflicting reports about whether or not the couple were married, the female victim’s Facebook profile indicated her partner’s surname.

Initial report: 6 January 2015,  7:30am – According to spokesperson of the Parkview police Sergeant Lloyd Ramovha the police were called to an address in Parkhurst to attend to an alleged domestic dispute between a 45 year old woman and a 47 year old man.

He added that at the scene it was established that the two individuals were involved in a minor quarrel. They were both taken to the Parkview police to complete a domestic violence registration form which would be filed at the station.

Ramovha added that both appeared calm and cooperative. They both came to the station in separate cars as the male said that he would be staying at his sister’s house.

The two individuals arrived at the police station at around 2.50am. As they were filling out the necessary forms, the male allegedly said he would need his reading glasses and left the station to fetch them from his car.

Ramovha added that the female was seated in the front reception area of the police station when the male suspect re-entered with a small concealed revolver. He immediately shot the female in the head at point blank range without notice.

According to Ramovha the suspect turned the gun towards the police officers on duty who took cover. He then turned the gun on himself and took his own life.

Sergeant Ramovha said that statements have been taken from the officers who were at the scene, and they are currently doing a forensic sweep. The five officers who were scattered throughout the station are currently receiving counseling.

What are your thoughts on this incident?

Tell us by posting on our timeline, Rosebank Killarney Gazette or tweet us @RK_Gazette

Add us on BBM for the latest news in your community. PIN: 29C7976C

You may also be interested in: VIDEO: Cop caught stealing cash while dusting for prints 

Click here to view more crime news.