An Eastern Cape doctor, 54 – previously found guilty of shooting and wounding a male friend in 2019, and who was due to sentenced this week – was found dead last weekend in her Peddie home.
The Citizen reports that the police have opened an inquest docket after the body of Dr Sibongile Mphephanduku was found on Sunday.
The 2019 shooting had taken place at the doctor’s home, which doubled as a surgery, and the gun was a state-issued official weapon belonging to a policewoman friend.
The officer, attached to Moyeni Police station, has since been dismissed by SAPS for the incident.
Covid-19 delays
Mphephanduku’s trial dragged on for four years, amid the Covid-19 lockdown and other delays.
Prior to the shooting, Mphephanduku had opened a case against the man for trespassing and giving unwanted attention.
The two had reportedly been close before.
SAPS at the time said they were investigating an allegation that local police failed to arrest the man when Mphephanduku had reported.
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