Off-duty JMPD officer nabbed after colleague fatally shot in Soweto

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has confirmed the fatal shooting of an off-duty female officer during an incident in Protea Glen, Glenridge Extension 16, Soweto, at around 03:30 on Sunday, 28 June 2026.

According to preliminary information, the incident allegedly stemmed from a domestic dispute involving a female JMPD officer and her girlfriend. The officer reportedly contacted a fellow off-duty JMPD officer, who was also her friend, requesting assistance to transport the girlfriend away from the residence.

Police allege that after the colleague arrived and the girlfriend got into her white Kia sedan, the vehicle began leaving the property. The suspect officer allegedly fired seven shots from her service firearm at the departing vehicle.

The responding off-duty officer sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the shooting, while the vehicle's front and rear windows were extensively damaged.

The female JMPD officer suspected of carrying out the shooting was arrested at the scene. Authorities have withheld both her identity and that of the deceased officer pending the suspect's first court appearance and notification of the deceased's family.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) processed the scene and opened a murder case at Protea SAPS. Because the incident involved the discharge of a police service firearm by a law enforcement officer, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has assumed responsibility for the investigation.

JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said the department was deeply saddened by the loss of one of its members and is fully cooperating with SAPS and IPID investigators. He added that no further details would be released while the criminal investigation is ongoing and out of respect for the affected families.