By Ndivhuwo Mukwevho
A 45-year-old man is fighting for his life at Donald Fraser Hospital near Thohoyandou in Limpopo after killing his 33-year-old wife but failing to commit suicide by shooting himself in the head.
Vhembe police spokesperson Sergeant Vuledzani Dathi said the suspect shot his wife with his pistol at their home in Makhuvha village on Wednesday morning.
“When police and paramedics arrived at the couple’s home, they found a 33-year-old woman lying dead in a pool of blood, while a 45-year-old man was lying nearby, still breathing but in a critical condition. He was quickly rushed to the nearby hospital,” Dathi said.
He told Scrolla.Africa that the motive for the shooting was unknown, but the man, who is in a critical state, now remains the number one suspect.
“We are not sure of what might have led to the shooting, but relationship/marriage problems cannot be ruled out as the two were staying together.”
Dathi has since urged the public to seek professional help if they are faced with marital problems or challenges.
“We always preach the same message, that killing another person is never a solution, and we always advise people to seek help if they are facing challenges in their relationships or marriage, as through that way they can find solutions,” Dathi said.
The murdered woman was a teacher at a school in Vhembe district.
A neighbour, who did not want to be identified, told Scrolla.Africa she was shocked when she heard gunshots coming from the couple’s house.
“They are both nice people who always greet us, and they seem happy together. I never suspected that they might be having some problems, so I am still shocked.
“When I heard the gunshots, I thought maybe they were being attacked by criminals, only to find out later what actually happened,” she said.
UN Women reports that the rate of violence against women and girls in South Africa is among the highest in the world: according to official statistics, one in five women in relationships have experienced physical violence by a partner.
Pictured above: Police vehicles outside the couple’s house.
Source: Supplied
