On Monday morning, the epicentre of the North East District woke up to the alleged chilling brutal murder suicide of a couple involving a 43-year-old female police constable based at Masunga Police Station and his 44-year-old husband.
The police officer was reportedly found dead in a pool of blood after being brutally assaulted by husband while his lifeless body was found hanging from a tree not far away from their rented house within Masunga.
Botswana Police Services Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Near Bagali confirmed that police were alerted by the 19-year-old son of the deceased persons who called them to the home of the officer.
“He phoned the police reporting a bloody incident. When our officers arrived at the house, they found a horrific and gruesome scene. So, we are investigating an incident involving a married couple. Our preliminary findings indicate this is an incident of Gender based violence,” confirmed Bagali.
He continued, “it looks like the woman was attacked and stabbed with some sharp object. She was found lying in a pool of blood and she was rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, it was too late and she was certified dead.”
Bagali said when the police arrived at the crime scene, the husband of the 43-year-old woman was nowhere to be found. Immediately a manhunt was mounted to locate the 44-year-old husband.
“After a few hours of searching, the suspect was found dead, hanging from a tree just nearby from the neighbourhood. He had committed suicide. The couple were staying together in Masunga. It is clear that the couple had fought and their bodies will undergo post mortem on Wednesday”, continued Bagali.
Due the traumatic nature of the incident, counselling sessions have been arranged for both the children and the colleagues of the female police officer.
“As we speak our officers who attended to the murder and suicide incidents are undergoing counselling. The entire incident was just too gruesome and unbearable. The children also are getting counselling too,” said the Assistant Commissioner.
As a word of caution Bagali urged police officers to make use of psycho social support systems offered by the police service, in the event they are entangled in relationship challenges. “Police officers are human like everyone else and we are not immune to life’s challenges. So, I encourage colleagues to take advantage of the support services offered by the Botswana Police Services. Seek advice, counselling and get solutions to resolve conflicts amicably and escape being victims of Gender Based Violence,”, he emphasised.
