CRIME SCENE: Tweeling, Free State: A 40-year-old man was shot dead by police shortly after shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend on Tuesday, 18 August 2026.

According to the preliminary information, the 36-year-old woman finished work at approximately 17:45 and proceeded towards a hiking spot. 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said she got into a white motor vehicle, unaware that her former boyfriend was already inside.

When the vehicle reached 10th Street in Tweeling, both got out and the man allegedly grabbed her and shot her in the head at close range. The suspect then fled the scene.

Witnesses immediately alerted the police and provided information regarding the suspect’s movements. 

“Two police vehicles, one from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) and another from Tweeling Visible Policing, responded swiftly and pursued the suspect.

“The suspect was subsequently spotted hitchhiking. The FCS Unit members, travelling in a Mahindra vehicle and dressed in civilian clothing, stopped alongside him. The suspect approached the vehicle, apparently believing that the occupants were offering him a lift.

“As he engaged with the members, the suspect noticed the second police vehicle with uniformed members, stopping behind the Mahindra,” said SAPS.

The man allegedly drew a firearm and opened fire on the uniformed members. The members in the Mahindra immediately responded and the suspect was fatally wounded during the ensuing exchange of gunfire.

A murder case has been opened in connection with the fatal shooting of the 36-year-old woman. An inquest docket has also been registered regarding the death of the 40-year-old suspect.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, has condemned the brutal killing and expressed concern over the escalation of domestic violence-related incidents. He further commended the members of the public who immediately alerted the police and provided information that assisted in locating the suspect.