Cop now faces double murder rap
12 Apr 2012 | Frank Maponya |
THE Limpopo police constable accused of shooting dead his sister and injuring his brother is now facing another charge of murder.
This follows the death of his brother on Sunday night.
Constable Bernard Tema, who is attached to the Public Order Police in Polokwane, is also facing suspension from work pending an internal disciplinary hearing.
Tema, 33, appeared in the Mahwelereng Magistrate's Court on Tuesday in connection with the killing of his 39-year-old sister, identified as Peggy Tema, following a spat.
He also allegedly shot and fatally injured his brother, identified as Lawrence, 23, at about 8pm on Friday.
It is not yet known what the siblings were arguing about.
The sister was shot twice, while the brother was shot five times.
He was rushed to Mokopane Hospital where his condition was earlier described as "stable and satisfactory".
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mohale Ramatseba said the injured brother had since died, presumably from the injuries he sustained in theshooting.
"We have now charged the officer with double murder following the death of the brother," said Ramatsebayesterday.
He said that during his appearance in Mahwelereng, Tema's case was postponed to next Wednesday in the regional court for a bail application.
Tema was not asked to plead and police investigations were continuing.
"We will serve the suspect with a notice of suspension soon, pending internal disciplinary processes," Ramatseba said.
According to Ramatseba, Tema's official firearm was used in the shooting and had been confiscated.
