Police are investigating a mass shooting that claimed the lives of a woman, her three-year-old son, and the alleged perpetrator in Verena on the night of 10 March 2026.
According to a statement by Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, authorities responded to a report of domestic violence at approximately 23:00. Upon arrival in the residential area, officers were met by a neighbour who stated that a couple had been involved in a heated argument outside.
It is alleged that during the dispute, the suspect drew a firearm and shot his 43-year-old wife, their three-year-old son, and the neighbour who was outside at the time.
Responding officers subsequently discovered the body of the woman lying face down on the grass outside the residence with multiple gunshot wounds. The body of the three-year-old boy was located inside the living room with a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel declared both deceased at the scene.
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect fled the immediate scene in his vehicle with his six-year-old daughter. Police believe he drove to his parents’ residence in another section of the area.
Further reports indicate that prior to fleeing, the suspect also shot his sister-in-law and the uncle of his wife. Both victims were transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
When police tracked the suspect to his parents’ property, they found him inside his vehicle with a gunshot wound. He showed no signs of life and was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
Regarding the six-year-old daughter, it is reported that she was shot by the suspect but managed to escape. She sought assistance from her grandmother and was transported to the hospital. Authorities list her condition as stable.
Investigators have seized the firearm used in the shootings, described as the suspect’s personal weapon. The weapon has been booked in for ballistic analysis.
The South African Police Service has opened the following case dockets for investigation:
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Two counts of murder
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Four counts of attempted murder
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An inquest
The motive for the incident remains under investigation.