In a tragic incident witnessed by their 10-year-old daughter, a man from KwaZulu-Natal allegedly fatally shot his estranged wife before taking his own life.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at Saunders Circle in Belvedere, Tongaat, as reported by Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa).
According to Rusa, they received several calls from the public regarding the incident, prompting their immediate response. Rusa’s reaction officers reached the scene at approximately 17:58.
Upon arrival, paramedics attended to the man, who had sustained a gunshot wound to his head.
Rusa confirmed the discovery of the woman’s body with a gunshot wound to her head on the driveway. Unfortunately, she displayed no signs of life and was pronounced deceased.
Initial investigations by Rusa revealed that the man and woman were married but separated. The man, identified as an armed response officer for a national company, arrived at the premises dressed in uniform and driving his company-branded vehicle to collect their child. An argument ensued, during which he allegedly shot the woman before turning the firearm on himself. Four spent 9mm cartridges were recovered from the scene.
The critically injured man received stabilizing medical care at the scene before being transported to the hospital in serious condition.
Fortunately, despite the traumatic ordeal, the child reportedly emerged physically unscathed.
As of now, authorities have not determined the motive behind the shooting. Tongaat police spokesperson Warrant Officer Manisha Maharaj-Marie was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.