Man takes gun from policeman and kills 2 patients at Somerset Hospital

Two patients at Somerset Hospital were shot and killed and a policeman seriously injured on Saturday evening when a 40-year-old man took the firearm of a police official and fired several shots.

"Reports from the scene indicate that Sea Point police had taken a 35-year-old suspect to Somerset hospital for medical attention when a man in the ward grabbed the firearm of a police official and shot him through the head," said Brigadier Novela Potelwa.

"The man then shot two patients who were in his proximity. Both died on the scene and the 32-year-old police official was seriously injured. SAPS officials on the scene subsequently disarmed the suspect and arrested him."

Potelwa added that the identities of the victims of the shooting incident are yet to be determined.

Western Cape Health & Wellness Department said they were shocked and deeply saddened by the incident.

"While the motive and exact circumstances are still being investigated, I (Premier Alan Winde) was informed on the scene when I visited this evening that another person took a firearm off a police officer, shot and critically wounded the officer, and then fired fatal shots at the two nearby patients.’’

"My deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims of this senseless act. My thoughts and heart are also with the wounded officer and his family, who I desperately hope pulls through."

 

Done By: Mitchum George