Airport shooting leaves kids fatherless

THREE young children from Cape Town have been left in a position no one would want to find themselves.

Their father, a 33-year-old police officer, shot their mother before turning the gun on himself at Cape Town International Airport on Wednesday night.

A photograph of his lifeless body spread on social media just minutes later.

While police are tight-lipped about the investigation, the woman's employers – Ocean Basket – said she was in a stable condition in hospital. The constable also shot and injured two restaurant employees.

After the incident police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk said the officer had argued with "his partner" before he took out his firearm and shot her.

"She worked for us for just under a year and was a sushi chef. We didn't know of any problems between them," Ocean Basket spokesman Grace Harding said.

"Our focus is on our crew. The staff are really traumatised."

She said counsellors were also dispatched to assist KFC staff. The fast food outlet is situated next to the restaurant.

Meanwhile, Airports Company South Africa spokesman in Cape Town Deidre Davids said operations were continuing normally.

"The South African Police Services are conducting a full investigation, which we are supporting," he said. - Nashira Davids