Tzaneen couple’s domestic violence incident ends in tragedy
A Lenyenye man shot his 45-year-old partner in KwaZulu-Natal before taking his own life in Limpopo when cornered by police.
TZANEEN – A 45-year-old woman was fatally shot by her partner in Phongola, KwaZulu-Natal while travelling back to Limpopo on Monday (October 7).
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says that after shooting her, the suspect removed her body from the vehicle, and drove to Limpopo where he later took his own life.
The incident was reported to Phongola police who then reached out to Limpopo police for assistance in apprehending the suspect.
“The Limpopo Highway Patrol were on the lookout when the vehicle was spotted along the N1 freeway in Mokopane. The police then blocked his vehicle and instructed him to get out of the car, he refused and subsequently shot himself,” says Ledwaba.
Paramedics were called to the scene where the suspect was pronounced dead.
“A case of murder is opened at Pongola in Kwa Zulu-Natal province, and an inquest is opened at Mokopane, Limpopo province.”
With police investigations still ongoing, the motive for the shooting has yet to be established, however, police suggest that domestic violence-related issues may have been a factor.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has condemned the incident and urges community members to seek professional assistance when facing relationship challenges.
