The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lt-Gen Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned the recent domestic-violence incidents in the province.
The condemnation follows an incident in which a 17-year-old boy was fatally shot, allegedly by his 53-year-old father, at Hamutsha village on Sunday at about 06:17.
Police at Levubu received a call reporting a shooting, in which a man had allegedly shot his son before attempting to take his own life at their home.
Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said officers had arrived at the scene quickly. "We found a man lying on the ground in a pool of blood. He was still alive, and a handgun was nearby. Several cartridges were scattered around him," he said.
Further investigation inside the house revealed the young male, estimated to be 17 years old, lying on a bed with gunshot wounds to the head.
The 53-year-old suspect is believed to be a member of the SANDF based outside Mookgophong. He was taken to hospital under police guard for medical treatment.
Ledwaba said the deceased had been at the Moloto Discipline Centre (Rehabilitation Centre) and may have struggled with substance abuse. "The suspect was taken to the local medical facility for treatment. The motive is currently unknown, but domestic violence cannot be ruled out. The deceased has been identified as Ranwedzi Mulaudzi, aged 17," he said.
Community Safety Leader in Hamutsha Mr Sadaam Masutha said the incident had shocked the local community and surrounding areas. "We did not know what was wrong in that family. The father is a soldier and presumably aware of the law, which makes this even more disturbing," he said.
Lt-Gen Hadebe called upon families to seek professional help when experiencing domestic challenges, instead of resorting to violence.