Call for cop mental health checks after latest murder-suicide
A police union says there is a need for more mental health screenings for police officers.
The South African Police Union made the call following an apparent murder-suicide case involving a Durban metro cop.
The 45-year-old officer is alleged to have shot and killed his 40-year-old wife before turning the gun on himself at their home in Illovo this week.
Their son is said to have witnessed the incident.
SAPU's acting spokesperson, Jabulani Mabena, says despite programmes in place to help police cope - he feels that more needs to be done to deal with mental health issues and stress in the police force.
READ: High-level team to probe spate of Nquthu killings
"Worst to the young boy who saw his parents perishing before him and who also had casualties. This is a clear indication that South Africa - we are an island county to an extent where we even hurt those we claim to be loving in the name of domestic violence without seeking help when we can get it."
Last month, metro cop Bianca Khuzwayo was stabbed to death, allegedly by her partner Sizwe Ngema, a fellow police officer.
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