Bio

David Mateane was born in 1963 in South Africa. He joined the South African police service and built a career that eventually led to the rank of superintendent.

At the time of the murders, Mateane was attached to Kagiso police station near Johannesburg. Reports after the massacre suggested he had been emotionally affected by problems in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Poppy Mosia. Friends and relatives later described him as jealous and possessive, especially after the relationship deteriorated. 

Murder Story

On the evening of April 3, 2006, Mateane went to the home of his girlfriend, Poppy Mosia, in Tarlton near Krugersdorp. Armed with a firearm, he shot and killed Poppy, her daughter Lerato, toddler grandson Lebogang, and niece Dineo Moobi. Another relative survived with injuries after calling for help.

About thirty minutes later, Mateane drove to Kagiso police station and opened fire on fellow officers inside the building. He killed Senior Superintendent Meshack Zondo, Captain David Masipa, Captain Jabulani Sokhela, and Captain Frans Monama. Another officer was wounded.

He then fled the scene, leading police on a large manhunt. During the pursuit he also shot and seriously wounded his brother. A pedestrian was killed when struck by a police vehicle during the chase.

In the early hours of April 4, 2006, police cornered Mateane in Sebokeng. He was killed during a shoot-out, ending one of the deadliest police-related mass shootings in modern South African history.