Vhembe father kills teenage son (17)

LIMPOPO – Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe has condemned the ongoing domestic violence-related incidents across the province, following a tragic shooting in Ha-Mutsha Tshitandani village under the Levubu policing area in Vhembe.

The incident occurred on Sunday at approximately 06:17, when a 17-year-old boy was reportedly fatally shot by his 53-year-old father, who then attempted to take his own life.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba, Levubu police responded swiftly after receiving a call about a shooting. On arrival at the scene, officers found the father on the ground in a pool of blood outside the house. He was still alive, with a 9mm pistol next to him and several spent cartridges scattered around.

Further investigation led police into the house, where they discovered the teenage boy on a bed with gunshot wounds to the head. He was declared dead at the scene. The victim was later identified as the 17-year-old Ranwedzi Mulaudzi.

Father hospitalised under guard

Preliminary information suggests that the father, who is reportedly a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) stationed outside Mookgophong, shot his son before turning the weapon on himself.

He was transported to a local hospital under police guard and has since been arrested.

Police are still investigating the motive behind the incident. Domestic violence is suspected, as the two were residing in the same household.

It has also been alleged that the teenager had recently returned from the Moloto Discipline Centre, a rehabilitation facility, and had struggled with substance abuse.

Hadebe urges families to seek help

Hadebe expressed concern about the ongoing violence within families and called on communities to seek professional help when dealing with domestic challenges.

“I once more call upon families to seek professional help when experiencing domestic challenges instead of resorting to violence.”

The investigation is ongoing.