Policeman kills eight in gun rampage

A policeman went on the rampage, killing four colleagues, three women and a baby before being shot dead himself, police in South Africa said today.

Superintendent Chippa Mateane, 42, killed the women and child and critically wounded one other woman yesterday evening. He then drove to the Johannesburg police station where he was based and opened fire on other policemen.

Three died in his office, and the body of the fourth was found just outside the room.

Mateane fled the scene in a police car which he later abandoned. He then shot his brother, critically wounding him.

Police killed Mateane early today after an extensive manhunt. The motive for the murders was not immediately known.