POLOKWANE: The Police in Bela-Bela are investigating two counts of murder, inquest, theft of firearm and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition after a man aged 38 shot and killed his ex-girlfriend and her daughter at Leana Hof, Bela-Bela on Saturday 25 February 2023.

The suspect allegedly went to the victim's house at about 12:00, and apparently without saying anything fired some shots at the woman aged 34 and her daughter aged 11 before killing himself. They all died instantly.

The Police were notified about the incident, and upon arrival with the emergency services, the three victims were all certified dead at the scene.

They were identified as follows:

* Lee Cloete (the child) aged 11 years

* Abrahams Carmen Cloete (mother) aged 34

* Ndlovu Hendrick Muzi aged 38 (suspect)

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect stole his friend's firearm.

"We are saddened by this tragic incident because innocent lives continue to be lost at the hands of men who seem to be inclined to committing acts of Gender Based Violence at any moment the relationship collapses. People experiencing relationship challenges are urged to seek assistance and desist from resorting to extreme violence," said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

Police opened cases of double murder, inquest, theft of firearm and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Source: South African Police Service