Police have launched a manhunt for a security officer who allegedly shot four family members in Makgophong village, Limpopo at the weekend.
It is alleged that the suspect shot his wife’s cousin, sister-in-law, and wounded his estranged wife and one-year-old child.
The shooting happened at about 7pm on Saturday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said: “It is alleged that the couple was separated and the wife had moved back home after the two experienced marital problems.
“On the fateful day, the suspect apparently called his wife and shortly after that he went to her homestead in the same area.
“Upon arrival, he found the victims inside a vehicle preparing to leave when he opened fire at them. The suspect then fled the scene.”
Ledwaba said the police and emergency medical services were alerted and all the victims were transported to the hospital.
“Sadly, the wife’s cousin and sister succumbed to injuries while she [the wife] and the one-year-old child are in a critical condition.
“The identities of the two deceased will be released soon. The cousin is 39 years old and the sister-in-law is 29 years old.”
Ledwaba said the motive for the shooting is not known, noting that the police have opened two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, provincial police commissioner in Limpopo, said: “We are deeply concerned about these incidents of domestic violence in our province, especially during this month when women are celebrated.
“Instead they [women] are still being violently attacked and killed, mostly by people close to them.
“We can reassure the public that every effort will be made to bring the suspect responsible to justice. Efforts are already under way to investigate the matter.”
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