A Mpumalanga man shot and killed his wife and three-year-old son in a suspected domestic violence incident, before turning the gun on himself.
The incident happened on Tuesday in Verena at around 11 pm.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, said police responded to a reported domestic violence incident where it is alleged that a couple had a dispute.
“When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered a woman who identified herself as a neighbour.
“According to her, she and others were outside when the suspect became involved in a heated argument with his wife.”
Ndubane said the suspect allegedly drew a firearm and shot his wife, 43, and their three-year-old son.
“The suspect also shot a neighbour who was outside at the time, and then fled the scene with his six-year-old daughter,” Ndubane said.
“The police then proceeded to the suspect’s parents’ house in search of him, where they found him dead inside his vehicle from a gunshot wound.”
“It is alleged that he drove to his parents’ house in another section of the area.”
Preliminary investigations led police to cordon off and search the area.
Upon further investigation at the crime scene, Ndubane said police discovered the body of the suspect’s wife lying face down on the grass outside the house.
She had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
“The three-year-old boy was found inside the living room with a gunshot wound and was also declared dead at the scene.”
It was also reported that the suspect had shot his sister-in-law and his wife’s uncle, both of whom were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
”Police then proceeded to the suspect’s parents’ house in search of him. Upon arrival, officers found the suspect inside his vehicle with a gunshot wound and showed no signs of life. He was also declared dead at the scene.”
The police later learned that the six-year-old daughter of the suspect, who had been shot, managed to escape the scene and sought assistance from her grandmother.
She was transported to the hospital in a stable condition for medical treatment.
Ndubane said the suspect had used his personal firearm in the killings. ”The firearm has been seized and booked in as part of the ongoing investigation.”
The police are currently investigating multiple charges in relation to the case, including two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, and an inquest.
The motive behind the killings is still unclear, and police are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The motive for the incident is still under investigation,” said Ndubane.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the brutal killings, describing the incident as tragic and senseless.
IOL NEWS
Hope Ntanzi
iol.co.za
