The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has identified the police officer accused of murder and attempted murder related to a domestic dispute in Blue Downs, as Keegan Petersen.
He made his first appearance in the Blue Downs Magistrates Court on Tuesday, in connection with the incident over the weekend.
The NPA’s Eric Ntabazalila noted that Petersen faces two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, as well as a charge for the illegal possession of ammunition.
“More charges are likely to be added as the investigation continues,” said Ntabazalila.
The State’s version of events is that the accused brought his girlfriend to his home in Kleinvlei, where the girlfriend’s family members came looking for her.
“The State alleges that he fatally shot his girlfriend’s brother and the man he was with and attempted to kill three other including his girlfriend. During investigation police found four shotgun bullets in a safe in his home,” said Ntabazalila.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the incident, and according to the police watchdog’s statement on Tuesday morning, it arose from a domestic dispute between the police officer, who was off duty, and his girlfriend at a residence in Kleinvlei in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The girlfriend had reportedly informed family members of a dispute, who then rushed to the home, after which the shooting occurred.
“The police officer allegedly shot at the girlfriend’s family members when they arrived at their house, and two family members were fatally wounded,” said IPID spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping.
Shuping said the officer initially fled the scene after the incident, but he then handed himself over to the police on Monday.
The Cape Argus has identified the victims as Wesley Carolissen and Leando Fortuin from the Silversands area. According to reports, the suspect’s girlfriend was also wounded in the shooting.
The police officer is said to be working at the Mfuleni SAPS.
Petersen returns to court on 6 October for a bail application, which the State intends to oppose.
*This article has been updated and edited to reflect the latest information on the case.
