A gruesome domestic violence incident unfolded at the Namakgale Crossing Shopping Centre in Limpopo on Sunday, 28 September, when a 45-year-old man allegedly shot and stabbed his wife, injured the store manager, and then committed suicide.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the 49-year-old woman was employed at the supermarket located in the shopping centre. The suspect tracked her into the store, intending to follow her. When the victim tried to escape, she sought refuge in the manager’s office, but the husband pursued her further. During this chase, the assailant fired two shots, one of which hit the manager, who was wounded while attempting to shield or aid the wife.
Following the shooting, the attacker dragged his wife out of the manager’s office, stabbed her multiple times, and then fatally shot her. She died at the scene. The shop manager, though injured, survived the gunshot wounds.
After these violent acts, the suspect turned the weapon on himself, taking his own life at the location. The firearm used in the incident was unlicensed.
In the wake of the tragedy, Namakgale Crossing Shopping Centre issued a statement via Facebook, informing patrons of a “tragic incident” rooted in a domestic dispute and announcing that the affected store would remain closed as investigations proceed.
The chilling event provoked strong reactions from local residents, many of whom voiced fear and concern for safety in public spaces. One social media commenter remarked, “We are going to be afraid of visiting the shop.”
Limpopo’s Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, strongly condemned the killings, labeling the act “brutal” and emphasizing its stark reminder of the devastating and far-reaching consequences of domestic violence. She urged individuals facing relationship struggles to seek help and support rather than turning to violence.
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