MBOMBELA – According to police reports, after firing multiple shots, Mabunda’s husband reportedly turned the gun on himself and was hospitalised.

The spokesperson for Mabunda’s family, Hendrick Matsane, said they were not aware of the couple’s marital problems. He said the mother of three’s death has left a void, not only in the family, but in the lives of many who knew her.

READ: Domestic dispute ends in wife’s death

“What’s sad about this whole thing, is that her husband never came to speak to us about their challenges but instead, he chose to shoot his own wife. We are still in shock and cannot believe she died from so many bullets,” he lamented.
Mabunda was the chief quantity surveyor at the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport. Her colleagues described her as an asset to the department.

“Her children are not taking this well, because it was really unexpected and the incident took place in their presence. After all that’s happened, all we want is justice to be served and for him to spend the rest of his life behind bars,” added Matsane.

Provincial police spokesperson, Brig Leonard Hlathi, confirmed that the case was postponed on Monday to take place in the Nelspruit District Court tomorrow.

ALSO READ: Woman appears in court for killing her soldier husband

Meanwhile, the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Gabisile Shabalala, called on families to seek help when in distress. One of the challenges she pointed out with gender-based violence, is how the police often react only after lives are lost.

“We call on communities to always seek help and look for signs that their relationships could be in trouble,” said Shabalala

She further advised couples to seek professional help and if they feel their differences cannot be resolved, to rather walk away.