POLOKWANE – A woman and her grandson were killed and two other family members seriously injured in an alleged domestic-related shooting in Tayereni Village near Dennilton during the early hours of Saturday (June 27) morning.

According to Limpopo police, the incident happened shortly after 01:00.

The suspected gunman, a 52-year-old SAPS sergeant attached to Soshanguve in Gauteng, later died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound before he could be arrested.

Police outline sequence of events

Police say the officer and his wife had reportedly been experiencing domestic problems.

Following an alleged altercation in Soshanguve, the woman is said to have travelled to her parental home in Tayereni Village with her mother.

It is alleged that the sergeant later arrived at the home and opened fire, fatally shooting his 68-year-old mother-in-law and his 29-year-old stepson.

His 46-year-old wife and their 14-year-old daughter were also shot and seriously injured.

Police say both managed to escape and were taken to hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment.

Suspect found dead

A manhunt was launched after the shooting, and police later traced the suspect to his residence in Dennilton.

According to police, officers were preparing to arrest him when he allegedly shot himself. He died at the scene.

Investigators are still determining whether the firearm used was an official SAPS-issued weapon or privately owned. Two firearms and ammunition were seized for forensic examination.

IPID investigating

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken over the investigation.

Limpopo provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe extended her condolences to the bereaved family and wished the two injured victims a speedy recovery.

Condemning the incident, Hadebe urged people experiencing domestic violence to seek help before situations escalate.

“This is a deeply disturbing and tragic incident that has robbed a family of their loved ones. We condemn this senseless act of violence in the strongest possible terms. No disagreement or domestic dispute should ever result in the loss of life. We encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help before situations escalate into irreversible tragedies.”

The investigation is continuing.