Man shoots wife before turning gun on himself

The Limpopo police are investigating cases of murder and inquest after a man allegedly shot and killed his wife in broad daylight, before taking his own life on 8 February 2026.

The incident took place near Twin City Mall in Burgersfort. The police responded to reports of a shooting incident. 

Upon arrival, the police found the 54-year-old suspect and his 27-year-old wife lying in a passageway with gunshot wounds.

Both victims were transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment, where they later succumbed to their wounds. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was standing in the passageway next to Dirk Winterbach Street when what is believed to be the suspect’s car parked next to her.

The man reportedly exited the blue Audi Sedan, approached the woman, and opened fire before turning the weapon on himself.

During the processing of the crime scene, police recovered the pistol that was used during the incident, along with empty cartridges.

During a subsequent search of the suspect’s vehicle, police recovered a rifle, 21 live 9mm rounds, and 18 live rifle rounds.

Further investigation revealed that the firearms and ammunition belonged to the suspect.

Investigators are working to establish how the suspect obtained the firearms and if they are legally licensed under South Africa’s Firearms Control Act.

The Audi Sedan was confiscated and will undergo a forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

At this stage, the motive is unknown. However, the police are not yet ruling out domestic-related issues.

The significant age difference between the couple, combined with the targeted nature of the attack, suggests this may have been a premeditated act rather than a random violent incident.

Domestic violence remains a serious concern in South Africa, where gender-based violence (GBV) statistics continue to alarm authorities and advocacy groups.

The disaster continues

In early 2026, South Africa continues to face a high-level GBV crisis, despite the President declaring it a national disaster.

A day before the Burgersfort incident, Limpopo police responded to several alerts of a stabbing at Seshego, Limpopo, around 22:00 on 7 February 2026. 

A Zimbabwean national male allegedly stabbed his girlfriend to death during a domestic dispute at Luthuli Phase 1.

Screaming that she had been stabbed by her boyfriend, the woman, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, alerted her neighbours to the incident.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the couple became involved in a heated argument at their residence. Other tenants attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation.

The foreign female, suspected to be between 36 and 39, reportedly jumped a fence into a nearby yard, where she collapsed and died from her injuries.

During the incident, she sustained multiple stab wounds. The suspect fled the scene and is still at large.

A case of murder has been opened, and investigations are underway to trace and arrest the suspect.

Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has condemned the killing, describing the rise in gender-based violence, particularly by intimate partners, as deeply concerning.

“The increasing number of murders committed by intimate partners is alarming and unacceptable. Violence within relationships continues to destroy families and communities,” Hadebe said

According to a press statement from the Democratic Alliance (DA), Limpopo reported 3,691 incidents of domestic violence, including 39 murder cases, during the first and second quarters of the 2025/26 financial year.

DA Provincial Spokesperson for Transport and Community Safety, Marie Helm, said that the data “highlights persistent misguided efforts to instil a lack of zero tolerance for GBV”.

She further said that the situation is worsened by the lack of resources and experienced investigative officers.

“Behind every statistic is a woman and child whose life will never be the same; known psychological effects of GBV are depression, self-isolation, a feeling of worthlessness and anger, which is often directed towards children; this tragically perpetuates the cycle of violence,” Helm said.

Amid rising domestic violence, GBV advocates like Women for Change pressure the government to not only declare GBV a disaster but also take decisive action to tackle the issue.

Founder of Women for Change, Sabrina Walters, stresses that these cases simply cannot be reduced to statistics or normalised.

These horrific incidents are a devastating reminder that gender-based violence remains one of the most urgent crises facing South Africa. Behind every headline are families shattered, and communities traumatised,” Walters said.