Limpopo Shooting Leaves Two Officers Dead After Reported Murder-Suicide at Ritavi Police Station
- Police in Limpopo are investigating the deaths of two police officers at the Ritavi Police Station in Nkowankowa
- The officers were both declared dead at the scene at the station just outside Tzaneen on Monday, 8 December 2025
- Details are unconfirmed at this stage, but reports indicate that the male officer shot his colleague before killing himself
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
LIMPOPO – Tragedy has occurred at a police station in Limpopo, where two officers were tragically killed.
The officers were declared dead after a shooting incident at the Ritavi Police Station, in Nkowankowa, just outside Tzaneen. The incident happened in the early hours of the morning on Monday, 08 December 2025.
Male officer shot and killed a female colleague
According to eNCA and other media outlets, a male police officer shot and killed a female colleague at the police station. It is reported that he then turned the gun on himself. Investigations into the matter have been launched.
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How did South Africans react to the tragedy?
Social media users shared mixed reactions to the tragedy, with some recalling similar incidents.
Winfred Tsheno Smuts said:
“Those police officers need serious counselling.”
Pertunia Malaola Tshabalala exclaimed:
“Yoh, the devil is at work.”
Bra Lucaz recalled:
“I have a cousin who is a cop, and his ex-girlfriend was also a cop. One day, they had a fight, and she pointed a firearm at my cousin. After that incident, my cousin left her.”
Malesela Walter Guluva Ramakgolo claimed:
“During this time of 16 Days of Activism, many police officers shot their partners and themselves.”
Baile Mmatli said:
“These killings are getting worse.”
Vezzy Charlene suggested:
“The police should be given mandatory psych evaluation and counselling every month.”
Kapungu Attorneys Legal stated:
“Being a police officer is too risky. People with anger issues shouldn't be given guns. It is so easy to pull a trigger, but it's difficult to deal with the consequences.”
Isaac Jordaan agreed:
“The dangers of mental health amongst cops. Cops should undergo mental evaluation every month.”
Remy Scott Nemaorani asked:
“If police officers fight against each other in one police station, who can defend and protect the innocent people from the hands of criminals?”
Anita Vurden stated:
“These police officers go through the most. More mental health support needs to be provided to them without prejudice.”
Other stories about officers being killed by or killing their partners
Briefly News reported that there have been several stories across the country about police officers who have either been killed by their partners, or who have killed those they were in a relationship with.
- In May 2024, an on-duty officer in Mpumalanga shot his girlfriend and then himself in a murder-suicide.
- A member of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) was allegedly murdered by her partner in her house on 24 December 2024.
- A Johannesburg police officer killed his girlfriend, her brother and then himself in July 2025.
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Source: Briefly News
