A police constable from Mfuleni is set to appear in court on Tuesday, following an incident where he allegedly shot and killed two men, and wounded a woman, during a domestic dispute in Tuscany Glen, Eerste River. The incident occurred shortly before midnight on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The deceased have been identified as Wesley Carolissen and Leando Fortuin, both from the Silversands area.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has confirmed that it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping stated that the police officer and his girlfriend had been involved in a domestic dispute before she contacted family members for assistance. Her relatives then rushed to the house, leading the officer to allegedly open fire, fatally wounding two of them.
The officer's girlfriend was also wounded in the shooting and taken to hospital for treatment. The incident has raised concerns about accountability when police officers are involved in serious violence. GBV activist and community leader Latifah Jacobs said the matter should not simply be viewed through the lens of an officer being off duty, as police officials remain members of the communities they serve.
Jacobs argued that police officials should be held to a high standard because of their knowledge of the law and the responsibilities attached to carrying a firearm. She also emphasized that firearm owners, particularly law-enforcement officials, had a responsibility to ensure their weapons were secured when circumstances made it unsafe to carry them.
The incident comes amid persistently high levels of gender-based violence in South Africa, where domestic violence and violence against women remain a major national concern. Jacobs questioned whether enough was being done institutionally to prevent incidents involving officers, firearms, and alleged alcohol use. She also called for greater accountability from law-enforcement agencies.
Jacobs expressed concern about how information surrounding incidents involving police officials was communicated publicly, saying transparency was crucial to maintaining public trust. The constable later handed himself in at a police station and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday. The matter is being investigated as two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
The investigation continues, and the community remains vigilant for any further developments in this case. The incident has sparked conversations about the role of police officers in their communities and the need for accountability.
Key points
- The incident occurred during a domestic dispute in Tuscany Glen, Eerste River.
- The police constable is due to appear in court on Tuesday.
- The incident has raised concerns about accountability and gender-based violence in South Africa.
