PORT Shepstone constable Balungile Pretty Madlala (34) appeared in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday this week in connection with the fatal shooting of her husband and mother-in-law.
The shooting took place in Mbotsha Ward, Boboyi near Port Shepstone last Sunday morning at about 8am.
Cst Madlala is believed to have done the shooting, killing Thulebona Raymond Madlala (39), and his mother Belina Madlala (67).
Another woman Thokozile Shabane, apparently a neighbour, was shot in the arm but survived.
Cst Madlala was formerly stationed in Port Shepstone.
It is reported that the shooting followed an argument between Balungile, her husband and his family. Her service pistol was used in the incident.
The case has been postponed to Thursday, September 18 for bail application. She will remain in custody.
Cst Madlala was represented by Attorney Siboniso Dlamini, and faces two charges of murder and one of attempted murder.
Senior state prosecutor Rubeun Judnarain argued that it was a premeditated crime, and a schedule six offence.
The court also heard that Cst Madlala had opened a case of assault against her husband prior to the incident.
Police spokesman, Captain Vincent Pandarum, said the constable handed herself over to the Port Shepstone police shortly after the incident.
She was taken to hospital for medical attention to injuries she allegedly sustained during the argument.
Mr Madlala’s brother Bonga, said the family was still in shock.
“I was told there was a problem at the house, so I took the car and went there, only to find Thulebona laying on the floor outside the house, and my mother in the house,” he said.
He took both of them to Murchison hospital in his van but they died of their wounds. “I didn’t believe they were dead until the mortuary van arrived,” he said.
He said that another brother, Mthoko, and a number of children had been at the house at the time of the incident and were ‘lucky to escape’.
Mr Madlala worked as a supervisor at Hibiscus Coast Municipality.
