NELSPRUIT- A 42-year-old man from Kanyamazane (Phinda Matlaka), allegedly shot his 37-year-old girlfriend (Shirley Hassan) before his body was found with a bullet wound as well as a firearm next to him.

The heartbreaking incident took place at Kanyamazane Ext 1, outside the City of Mbombela this morning, Thursday 22 September 2022 at about 07:00 am.

According to information at police disposal, the female victim was on her way to work in Mbombela, when she was fatally shot allegedly by the said man. It is further alleged that this took place in the full view of local people en route to work and schools. He is said to have then fled the scene to his father’s house also in Kanyamazane Ext 1, where he allegedly turned the gun on himself ending his life.

Police and Emergency personnel were summoned to both scenes and on arrival, the female as well as the alleged suspect were certified dead by the medical personnel. The female is believed to have been in a relationship with the said man. Police are investigating a murder case with a probe of inquest to establish what had occurred as well as the circumstances. Preliminary investigation has since revealed that the firearm reportedly used was stolen with other items at Kanyamazane during a housebreaking incident on 16 September 2022. This shocking incident could be associated with domestic violence.

The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the incident and called on members of the public to desist from resorting to violence in their relationships. “This incident is regrettable and we plead with members of the community to refrain from using violence as an alternative to resolve domestic issues. Gender Based Violence is regarded as a pandemic and the country is struggling to end the spate of women who are sadly killed in the hands of their partners” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service