LIMPOPO – Limpopo police are investigating cases of murder and inquest after a 54-year-old man shot and killed his 27-year-old wife before turning the firearm on himself near Twin City Mall in Burgersfort.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the incident occurred on Sunday (February 8) at about 13:54 along Dirk Winterbach Street, next to the shopping centre.

“On arrival at the scene, police found a husband and wife lying on the passageway with gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to a local hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries,” Mashaba said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman was standing on the passageway next to Dirk Winterbach Street when a sedan with Gauteng registration stopped next to her.

The driver exited the vehicle, approached the woman, shot her, and then shot himself. The motive for the incident is unknown at this stage, but domestic-related issues cannot be ruled out.

During the processing of the scene, police recovered a pistol believed to have been used in the incident, as well as spent cartridges.

A further search of the suspect’s vehicle led to the discovery of a rifle, 21 live 9mm rounds, and 18 live rifle rounds.

The recovered firearms and ammunition are believed at this point to belong to the suspect. Investigations are underway to determine the circumstances under which he came to possess the firearms.

The vehicle used in the incident was confiscated and will form part of the ongoing investigation.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed concern over the incident, reiterating the call for responsible firearm ownership and urging individuals involved in domestic disputes to seek assistance before situations escalate.

Police investigations are continuing.