A 42-year-old man, Phinda Matlaka, from KaNyamazane near Mbombela, allegedly shot dead his 37-year-old girlfriend, Shirley Hassan, and also took his own life.

According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the incident took place yesterday morning at around 07:00.

“The female victim was on her way to work in Mbombela, when she was fatally shot, allegedly by the said man. It is further alleged that this took place in the full view of local people en route to work and schools. He then fled the scene to his father’s house, also in the same area, where he allegedly turned the gun on himself, ending his life,” said Mohlala.

He said the police and emergency personnel were summoned to both scenes and on arrival, the female and the alleged suspect were certified dead.

“The female is believed to have been in a relationship with the said man. The police are investigating a murder case with a probe of inquest to establish what had occurred as well as the circumstances.

“Preliminary investigations have since revealed that the firearm reportedly used was stolen with other items in KaNyamazane during a housebreaking incident on September 16. This shocking incident could be associated with domestic violence,” Mohlala said.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has strongly condemned the incident and called on members of the public to desist from resorting to violence in their relationships.

“This incident is regrettable, and we plead with members of the community to refrain from using violence as an alternative to resolve domestic issues. Gender-based violence is regarded as a pandemic, and the country is struggling to end the spate of women who are sadly killed at the hands of their partners,” said Manamela.