Tshwane police officer killed

VIOLENCE: METRO COP SHOT DEAD 'BY PARTNER'

- Marizka Coetzer

A has one of the highest rates of cases of gender-based violence in the world and this is rooted in a history of a lack of norms and high levels of criminality, according to an expert.

"Alcohol and drug abuse, disrespect for women, treating women as possessions and objects, disregard for women and children's rights and inequality of women have become the norm in some SA cultures," said Prof Anni Hesselink, criminologist at the University of Limpopo.

Hesselink was reacting to the death of a Tshwane metro police department (TMPD) officer who was allegedly shot dead by her partner on Tuesday.

TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said the incident occurred at the officer's residence in Pretoria West, Lotus Gardens.

"The details leading to this tragedy are unknown and the case is being investigated by the South African Police Service. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of our departed colleague as they navigate this profound loss," he said.