Triple murder tragedy sends shockwaves through Vhembe
Rabie Ridge shooting leaves three dead and four injured, with victims from Vhembe among those affected in the Gauteng tragedy.
LIMPOPO – A shooting incident during which a man shot and killed three people, wounded another four and then turned the gun on himself in Gauteng last weekend has sent shockwaves through the Vhembe community.
Of the three persons killed, one was the man’s partner, Fhumulani Ratshilavhi.
Also wounded was a police officer in an incident believed to be related to domestic violence.
The events took place in Kanana near Rabie Ridge in Gauteng on April 17.
Police confirm details of Rabie Ridge incident
Ekurhuleni district police spokesperson Nelda Sekgobela confirmed the details.
“Just after 06:30, the Rabie Ridge police responded to the scene of a triple murder and four attempted murders in Kanana Ext 4,” she said.
Sekgobela said the suspect, who was a security guard and was armed with a licensed firearm, reportedly went to his girlfriend’s home.
“The couple had an argument, and the security officer shot and killed the woman. On his way out of the house, he shot and killed a man who was renting a room in the same yard and he also shot another family member,” she said.
Victims targeted in multiple locations
She added that the girlfriend’s elderly sister was shot in the lower body and taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Following the incident, the suspect is said to have taken the woman’s eight-year-old son before fleeing the scene.
“On the way, he encountered a Rabie Ridge police van and started shooting in the direction of the driver and team. One female police officer sustained minor injuries to the upper body and was taken to hospital,” Sekgobela confirmed.
According to reports, the suspect shot seven people during the incident, killing three and wounding four before taking his own life.
The victims who were confirmed dead include Fhumulani Ratshilavhi from Ha-Ramantsha outside Louis Trichardt and Livhuwani Sadiki from Maila near Vleifontein, who was the husband of the girlfriend’s elderly sister.
Another victim was an unidentified man who was renting a room in the same yard.
The deceased suspect was identified as Alpha Mukosi from Lwamondo Tshivhale outside Thohoyandou.
Family recounts harrowing ordeal
The spokesperson for the Ratshilavhi family, Dzumbululo Ratshilavhi, brother of the late Fhumulani, said the incident had left them traumatised.
“Fhumulani had been staying with Mukosi. He started arguing with her and then began shooting. When he went outside the house, he shot a man who was renting in the same yard without saying anything.
“He then went next door, where my elderly sister and her family were staying, and continued shooting,” he said.
The woman’s elderly sister as well as her 16-year-old daughter were still receiving treatment in hospital at the time of going to press, he confirmed.
Suspect flees, child recovered safely
Ratshilavhi said Mukosi had fled the scene in his sister’s vehicle.
“The vehicle was later found burnt out not far from the scene. It is thought that Mukosi hijacked another vehicle that had a tracking device. When he realised that police were following him, he stopped and took his own life.
“The eight-year-old boy was recovered safely.”
Calls for peace and conflict resolution
Itani Ngenguda of the Real Men Foundation Men’s Forum condemned the killings.
“This is a very sad day for our communities.
“We are constantly talking about reconciliation and peaceful conflict resolution, yet incidents like this continue to happen.
“Violence gives a bad name to men and undermines the efforts of government and non-government organisations working to end violence against women and children,” he said.
He appealed to the public to resolve disputes peacefully and seek counselling during times of conflict to prevent further loss of life.
Victims laid to rest
Livhuwani Sadiki was buried on at Maila on Saturday, while Fhumulani Ratshilavhi was laid to rest at Ha-Ramantsha on Sunday. Alpha Mukosi was buried at Lwamondo Tshivhale, also on Saturday.
