JOHANNESBURG – A tragic road rage incident involving a police officer turned deadly on Saturday near Machunwini in KwaZulu-Natal, leaving two people dead and two others injured.
According to initial reports, the incident unfolded after a group of three police officers—two constables and a sergeant—were traveling from the Eastern Cape to the Free State. Along the journey, the group reportedly missed a roadworks detour and collided with roadside barricades. The crash, though not initially fatal, set in motion a chain of events that would end in a deadly confrontation.
Local community members who witnessed the accident quickly alerted emergency services and approached the scene to assist the officers. A tow truck was dispatched to the site to recover the damaged vehicle.
However, what followed shocked the bystanders and emergency personnel. When the tow truck driver arrived and began assessing the situation, one of the constables allegedly drew his service weapon and fatally shot the driver. The reasons behind the sudden act of violence remain unclear and are now under investigation.
KZN Road Rage Tragedy: Police Officer Kills One, Injures Two, Then Takes Own Life
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Brigadier Robert Netshiunda, the situation escalated even further when the constable’s colleagues and members of the public tried to intervene and calm him down. In the ensuing chaos, the constable turned his weapon on a fellow officer—a sergeant—shooting and wounding him. A community member who had been among those assisting at the scene was also struck by gunfire.
“When his colleague intervened, the constable reportedly shot him and another community member,” Netshiunda said. “The constable then reportedly turned the gun on himself. The constable and the tow truck driver were declared dead at the scene, whilst the sergeant and the other man were rushed to the hospital. The third police officer survived the shooting.”
Emergency services arrived shortly afterward and confirmed that both the constable and the tow truck driver had died at the scene. The wounded sergeant and civilian were stabilized and transported to a nearby hospital where they are currently receiving treatment. The third police officer was physically unharmed but was reportedly left deeply shaken by the ordeal.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has since taken over the investigation, given the involvement of law enforcement personnel. The Directorate will be examining all aspects of the incident, including the psychological state of the constable, the events leading up to the crash, and whether any disciplinary issues may have contributed to his actions.
The motive behind the officer’s violent outburst remains unknown, and investigators have not yet released the names of those involved, pending notification of their families.
Community members have expressed shock and sadness at the turn of events. What began as a routine response to a traffic accident quickly escalated into a deadly scene that has left a lasting impact on the local area.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and has pledged full cooperation with IPID’s inquiry. The incident has also raised questions about mental health support and stress management within the police service, especially given the demanding and often dangerous nature of their work.
“This is a heartbreaking incident,” said a senior SAPS official who asked not to be named. “We are deeply concerned not just about the loss of life, but also about the circumstances that led one of our own to act in this way. It underscores the need for robust mental health support systems within the force.”
As investigations continue, SAPS has assured the public that all findings will be made transparent and that steps will be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The tragic events near Machunwini serve as a somber reminder of the unpredictable pressures faced by those in uniform—and the devastating consequences that can arise when those pressures are left unchecked.
