Cape Town – Tragedy struck in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, on the evening of Thursday, June 15, when a 32-year-old male suspect allegedly shot five members of his own family.
The victims include a 71-year-old grandmother, three children aged 3, 8, and 10, and a 22-year-old woman who miraculously survived but is currently fighting for her life.
The shocking incident unfolded at approximately 18:15, leaving the community in disbelief.
“According to the report, a family member is said to have left home to purchase some food and on his return, he noticed something strange as the sound of the radio inside the house was so loud and this was unusual to him.
“After knocking at the door without a response, he then broke it to gain entry. Once inside, he reportedly met the suspect, who is a family member in possession of a firearm.
“It was not long before he saw the lifeless body of his grandmother as well as his sister laying on the floor. Fortunately, the sister was still alive and she was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
“Sadly, the lifeless bodies of three children were also found in separate bedrooms,” police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said.
Man arrested in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, after he shot dead four of his family members and injured one. @SAPoliceService Colonel Donald Mduli… pic.twitter.com/Zk1XWjuWS7
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) June 16, 2023
Upon receiving the distress call, the police and paramedics swiftly arrived at the scene.
Unfortunately, they could only confirm the deaths of the three children and their grandmother.
“A case with four counts of murder and one of attempted murder is being investigated by the Police. Some cartridges as well as an ammunition were found by the Police at the scene.
“Immediately after the incident, Police in Piet Retief worked with speed under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner whereby the suspect was arrested and charged accordingly.
“During his arrest, a firearm believed to have been used in the commission of crime was confiscated for further investigation,” said Mdhluli.
The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 19, 2023.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of members of a family whilst applauding members for their swift response.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
