The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has noted an “unfortunate incident” involving members of the SA Police Service that left two dead in a murder-suicide, highlighting the 300 police officers lost to suicide over the last seven years.

It was reported on Sunday, 28 July 2024, a police sergeant in the Westernburg policing district in Polokwane shot a former police officer, and fatally wounded a Brigadier, before taking his own life with his service pistol following the incident.

The surviving victim, a former police officer residing within the same vicinity as the senior officer, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he received medical attention.

The reports suggest the Police Sergeant went to the former Police Officer’s residence, where an altercation ensued. The Sergeant opened fire on him before turning to the female Senior officer, who tried to escape to her car. Unfortunately, the suspect fired several shots at her, killing her. The enraged Police Sergeant climbed into the senior officer’s car before turning the gun on himself.

Since 2017 the SAPS has lost over 300 officers due to suicide and murder-suicide incidents. POPCRU believes “this situation underscores the profound mental and emotional stress that officers experience in their line of duty,” with reports indicating SAPS has one of the highest suicide rates among police services globally.

POPCRU stated the wellbeing of officers cannot be disconnected from the broader environment in which they operate. While the SAPS has introduced Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) programmes aimed at improving the mental well-being of members, results indicate the programs have failed to achieve their objectives.

In their statement, POPCRU indicated their belief that EHW representatives, usually psychologists and priests, “are not doing what is required of them or they do not understand their roles.” The statement further adds, “there are claims of lack of confidentiality, and that there are no regular visits to victims.” There is additionally a stigma amongst officers to make use of the services, due to claims that it will limit “individuals’ upward mobility within the ranks.”

Calling the services “reactive in discharging their duties,” POPCRU stated those who deliver the EHW services “are only seen at the station when there is a problem.”

Another issue facing the EHW services is the lack of familiarity by officers around the services offered. POPCRU calls for “collective responsibility to ensure we promote these services,” hoping members will then understand the impact on their personal lives and at their workplaces.

“We need to work together in ensuring these services are revived and effective.”

Some recommendations made by POPCRU to improve services include ensuring EHW representatives are not reactive in approach, with more frequent visits to police stations, “as opposed to inconsistent visits that are only conducted when there are challenges.”

Confidentiality is another aspect to be strengthened, to assure police officers that their information won’t be compromised.

Lastly, POPCRU urged Police management “to play their role in attending to stress caused by the lack of resources, staff shortages, unfair disciplinary issues and over-indebtedness among others.”