Limpopo police are probing two violent domestic incidents in the Mopani and Sekhukhune districts that have left one man dead and several family members seriously injured.
In Wisani village under the Ritavi policing area, a 48-year-old woman was allegedly shot by her 53-year-old husband during a domestic dispute at their home in the early hours of Tuesday.
Police were alerted after receiving a call from a hospital reporting that a woman had been admitted with gunshot wounds.
“Upon arrival, they found the victim with two gunshot wounds to the stomach. Further investigations revealed that the victim was shot by her husband following a heated argument,” police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said.
The suspect was later tracked down and arrested in the village. He is expected to appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on a charge of attempted murder. Police confirmed that the firearm used in the shooting is still missing.
In a separate incident in Ga-Maila Segolo village in the Sekhukhune District, a 50-year-old man died following a violent confrontation at his wife’s family home.
According to police, the man had been visiting the homestead when an altercation broke out at around 1am.
“It appeared a violent altercation ensued, during which he attacked his wife, their three-year-old daughter, and his 70-year-old father-in-law with a sharp object,” Ledwaba said.
The elderly man reportedly acted in self-defence, fatally injuring the attacker. Emergency Medical Services declared the man dead at the scene.
“The victims are receiving medical attention for their injuries at the local hospital,” Ledwaba confirmed.
Authorities have opened cases of three counts of attempted murder, as well as a murder investigation, as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned the violence and called on communities to seek help when facing domestic challenges.
“We are deeply saddened by these incidents, and our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” said Hadebe.
“We urge people struggling in their relationships and having domestic related challenges to seek assistance from Social workers, Psychologists, other Professionals and Traditional Authorities.”
“We as the police will do everything in our power to prevent, investigate and combat crime with a view to ensure justice is served.”
Police investigations into both incidents are continuing.
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
