Family dispute ends in tragedy as father arrested for killing teenage son in Mashashane
A 20-year-old son was shot on the right hand and his wife sustained a gunshot on the thigh and a 17-year-old son was reportedly shot on the head, and the suspect immediately fled the scene on foot afterward.
Image: File
A 56-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident in Mandela village, Mashashane policing area, facing charges of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and pointing a firearm.
The incident occurred on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at approximately 02:00. The suspect arrived at his residence and found his 55-year-old wife sitting with a neighbour. Allegedly intoxicated, he immediately started an argument with his wife.
When their two sons, aged 17 and 20, attempted to intervene, the argument escalated. The father allegedly pulled out his licensed firearm and began shooting.
The 20-year-old son sustained a gunshot wound to the right hand, and the wife was shot in the thigh. Tragically, the 17-year-old son was shot in the head and was declared dead by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) upon arrival at the scene.
The suspect fled the scene on foot immediately after the shooting.
An immediate manhunt was launched. The suspect was eventually located at about 11:30 in a local Primary school, which he was using as a hideout. During the arrest, the suspect allegedly attempted to confront the police physically by pointing a firearm at them.
The police, acting in response to the imminent danger, shot the suspect in the hand. The suspect was then arrested and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital under police guard.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, strongly condemned the incident. "Anyone who perpetuates gender-based violence and femicide must face the full might of the law," stated General Scheepers.
He further appealed to the community, "We continuously appeal to our communities to seek professional help in case they are facing difficulties in their domestic relationship, rather than resorting to violence."
The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Seshego Magistrate in absentia on Monday, January 05, 2026, facing charges of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and pointing a firearm. Police investigations are ongoing.
IOL