A manhunt for the suspect is underway.
Image for illustrative purposes. The Citizen / Letaba Herald.
What should have been a routine workplace disciplinary hearing ended in carnage when a former employee allegedly opened fire inside a Boxer Superstore in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), leaving three female managers dead and triggering an intensive manhunt for the gunman.
The shooting occurred at a store in Eshowe on Saturday.
Disciplinary hearing
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspect had gone to the store for an internal disciplinary hearing when the tragedy unfolded.
“The suspect, who is a former employee of the store, had gone for his internal disciplinary hearing. The suspect produced a firearm and shot three people who were declared dead at the scene. A manhunt for the suspect is underway.”
Police have not publicly identified the suspect and have appealed to anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward as investigations continue.
Tragic shooting
CCTV footage of the incident, widely circulated on social media, shows the former employee, dressed in black, entering an office where the three female managers were gathered.
He can then be seen drawing a firearm and firing multiple shots at the women at very close range.
After the victims fell to the floor, the gunman reloaded his weapon and fired additional shots at the women before fleeing the scene.
Suspect
Police have not publicly identified the suspect and have appealed to anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward as investigations continue.
The three victims were reportedly members of the store’s management team, including the store manager, bakery manager and administration manager.
Condolences
Boxer Stores has expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and said it is cooperating fully with the police investigation while supporting employees affected by the tragedy.
“The Boxer family is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of three of our colleagues, whose lives were taken in a horrific act of violence at our Eshowe store on Saturday, 10 October.”
“We are working closely with the South African Police Service and relevant authorities, providing our full cooperation and assistance with the ongoing investigation,” Boxer Stores said.
The retailer stated the staff members will be remembered.
“Above all, we remember three valued members of our Boxer family whose lives were tragically cut short. They will not be forgotten.”
Appeal
As the search for the suspect continues, police urge the public not to approach him if spotted.
Anyone with information that may assist police investigations is urged to contact the Saps immediately.
