By Kopano Dibakwane
A 46 year-old woman was fatally shot, allegedly by her 48 year-old male partner, on Friday 16 December at Komatipoort.
The suspect reportedly handed himself over to the police on Saturday 17 February and was kept behind bars, as he awaits his first court appearance.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said that the victim’s lifeless body was discovered, in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound, by her daughter and neighbours, who suspected foul play.
“ According to a report, the suspect made a surprise visit at the residential place of the woman. The woman’s child is said to have left her mother and the suspect arguing when she left for school. Her mother, who was employed as a South African Revenue Service official, was preparing for work. Upon her return from school, she discovered that the door to the flat where they reside was surprisingly locked,” said Mdhluli.
He said that a murder case was opened, which led to the arrest of the suspect.
“ At the time of his arrest, police managed to recover a firearm with its serial number filed off. The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was not used in the commission of crime elsewhere. Hence, at this stage police cannot rule out the possibilities of adding more charges against the suspect as investigation continues,” said Mdhluli.
Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Lt-General Semakaleng Manamela, has urged members of the public not to resort to violence when they come across some challenges in their relationships.
“ It is regrettable that a child has been left without a mother and such an incident could have been prevented. This incident once again shows that the proliferation of firearms remains a challenge, especially in violent crimes. We hope that justice will be served for the victim as well as her family,” said Manamela.
The suspect was reportedly charged with murder.
