Last night, Thursday 15 June 2023, a 32-year-old male suspect was arrested by the Police in Piet Retief shortly after allegedly shooting five members of his family. Amongst the victims is a grandmother (71), three children aged 3, 8 and 10. Meanwhile a 22-year-old woman was fortunate to be alive though she is fighting for her life after being allegedly shot by the same suspect as well.
The shocking incident is said to have occurred in Piet Retief around 18:15 (15 June 2023). According to the report, a family member is said to have left home to purchase some food and on his return, he noticed something strange as the sound of the radio inside the house was so loud and this was unusual to him.
After knocking at the door without a response, he then broke it to gain entry. Once inside, he reportedly met the suspect, who is a family member in possession of a firearm.
It was not long before he saw the lifeless body of his grandmother as well as his sister laying on the floor. Fortunately the sister was still alive and she was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Sadly, the lifeless bodies of three children were also found in separate bedrooms.
When the Police in Piet Retief as well as the paramedics arrived at the scene, the three children and the granny were unfortunately certified dead.
A case with four counts of murder and one of attempted murder is being investigated by the Police. Some cartridges as well as an ammunition were found by the Police at the scene.
Immediately after the incident, Police in Piet Retief worked with speed under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner whereby the suspect was arrested and charged accordingly.
During his arrest, a firearm believed to have been used in the commission of crime was confiscated for further investigation.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 June 2023.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of members of a family whilst applauding members for their swift response.