Police in Limpopo have launched an investigation after a man allegedly shot and killed his wife and sister-in-law, wounded another, and then turned the gun on himself in Mabins B village, outside Hoedspruit.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the 45-year-old suspect allegedly arrived at his wife’s residence around midday on Saturday, parked his vehicle outside, and opened fire on the victims. The deceased have been identified as a 44-year-old woman and her 36-year-old sister, while a 34-year-old sister-in-law sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said officers were on patrol when they received a report of a shooting incident and immediately responded.
“On arrival, police found two lifeless bodies of women with multiple gunshot wounds,” Ledwaba said.
“The brother of the victims pointed out the bodies and informed police that the suspect had suddenly opened fire on them.”
After the attack, the suspect reportedly fled the scene and was later found dead at his residence, having apparently shot himself with his firearm.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and police investigations are ongoing.
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned the killings, describing the incident as a disturbing example of domestic violence.
“Domestic-related problems should be discussed and resolved amicably rather than through violence,” said Hadebe. “Innocent lives are being lost unnecessarily due to such senseless acts.”
Police have opened two counts of murder and one of attempted murder.
Last year, reported that the High Court in Polokwane had convicted and sentenced 37-year-old Thabo Ali Molobela for two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder and pointing with a firearm.
In September last year, reported that police in Limpopo had traced and arrested Molobela, who had been on the run after he allegedly shot six people, killing two of them, at Makgophong village, in Magatle. The brutal shooting took place on August 19 2023.
On Thursday, provincial police spokesperson in Limpopo, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said Molobela, who worked as a security officer, was arrested for shooting six of his family members.
“The accused and his wife had marital issues, which remained unresolved when he then resorted to shooting his wife, their child, sister-in-law, and the wife’s cousin. The accused arrived at his in-laws’ homestead and started to shoot at the victims whilst in a motor vehicle in the yard,” said Ledwaba.
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