An Eastern Cape policewoman, who was charged in absentia with murder, has died in hospital after wounding herself in the head.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, says the 40-year-old female Constable, who was stationed at Maclear, died on Wednesday while under police guard in hospital.
She says the female officer and another accused, 45-year-old Mdumiseni Mkhize, were arrested for the murder of 36-year-old state prosecutor Sivenathi Ralarala, who was shot dead in Cradock on Saturday night.
Mkhize and the now-deceased officer were stopped by TRT members on the R-61, and while being questioned, it is alleged that she shot herself in the head.
Meanwhile, National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Anelisa Ngcakani, says Mkhize appeared in court in Cradock on Wednesday on a charge of murder.
She says Ralarala, who was stationed in Lusikisi, was murdered outside his home, allegedly by Mkhize who was in the company of the policewoman.
Ngcakani says Ralarala was at his family home in Cradock when Mkhize arrived and asked to speak to him before his family heard shots being fired.
Mkhize, who was in the company of the female police officer, sped away in a silver Hyundai that was located by Mthatha TRT members along the R61 a short while later.
Police said while being questioned, the female officer shot herself in the head and was rushed to hospital, where she later died.
A 9mm pistol and a fully loaded magazine with one cartridge were confiscated at the scene.
Ngcakani says Mkhize's case was remanded to the 8th of October for a possible bail application which the NPA says it will oppose.
