In Mabins B hamlet, outside of Hoedspruit, a Limpopo man is accused of shooting and killing his wife and sister-in-law, wounding another, and then turning the pistol on himself. Image credit: Bongani Shilubane
Police in Limpopo have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, which occurred on Saturday in Mabins B village. A 45-year-old man allegedly shot and killed his wife and sister-in-law, wounded another relative, and then took his own life.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the 45-year-old suspect arrived at his wife’s residence around midday on Saturday. He parked his vehicle outside and allegedly opened fire on the women inside the home.
The deceased have been identified as the man’s 44-year-old wife and her 36-year-old sister. A third woman, a 34-year-old sister-in-law, sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that officers on patrol received a report of the shooting 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. He was later found dead at his own residence, having apparently shot himself with his firearm.
Commissioner Condemns ‘Senseless Act’
The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and police investigations are ongoing. Authorities have opened two counts of murder and one of attempted murder.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Police Commissioner, swiftly and strongly condemned the incident. She called the murders a horrifying case of domestic abuse.
“Domestic-related problems should be discussed and resolved amicably rather than through violence,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe. “Innocent lives are being lost unnecessarily due to such senseless acts.”
The Commissioner’s statement underscores a broader concern over the tragic outcomes of unresolved domestic tensions in the province.
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