A dismissed policeman went on the rampage in Postmasburg, Northern Cape, killing four people and wounding another eight on Monday night, police said.
Inspector Chantal Manuel said the incident occurred between 7pm and 8.30pm when the man, who had just completed a six-month jail term for fraud, stormed the local police station and held a duty officer at knife point demanding he be given a firearm.
The policeman was at the time packing firearms into a safe ahead of a shift change. The man took three weapons, including that of the duty officer, as well as ammunition.
Manuel said the policeman managed to flee while the man fired several shots at him but missed.
The gunman then went into the street and allegedly started firing randomly at passing people, killing two instantly before moving onto a local cafe and a tavern where he mowed down ten others — two of whom later died shortly after arrival at the Postmasburg Hospital.
Seven of the victims are being treated at the Kimberley Hospital while the other one is at the Postmasburg Hospital.
Police said the attacker was later apprehended.
He had apparently assaulted his wife shortly before invading the police station. – Sapa