A police officer has been arrested in connection with the murder of his estranged wife and a 30-year-old man said to be her lover in South Africa.

It was gathered that the warrant officer found his wife and the alleged lover having sex at an apartment belonging to her friend and gunned them down.

Independent Police Investigative Directorate spokesperson, Lizzy Suping, said the incident took place on Tuesday evening, March 14, 2023 at iKageleng in Zeerust, North West province.

Suping said the warrant officer, who is stationed at the Nietverdiend SAPS in Zeerust, handed himself over to police on Wednesday.

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, said the off-duty officer went to a house in Sandvlakte where he allegedly fired several shots and instantly killed a 30-year-old man and his wife, who is also a police officer, stationed at Kopfontein Port of Entry.

“Subsequent to the incident, the suspect handed himself to the police and the firearm that was allegedly used during the commission of the crime was confiscated. The motive for the crime is unknown and investigations are under way,” he said.

Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and urged employees to use the Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) programme and professionals rather than resorting to violence.

Photos seen on Facebook identified the officer simply as Mmutle.