The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating a police officer in connection with a fatal shooting in the Blue Downs area over the weekend. 

According to the police watchdog, this incident arose out of a domestic dispute between the police officer, who was off duty, and his girlfriend at their home 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 then handed himself over to police.  

The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed that the officer appeared in the Blue Downs Magistrates Court on Tuesday.   

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.  

*This article has been updated to accurately reflect the locations and timeframe of the alleged incident, according to IPID.