Police in Hartbeespoortdam are investigating a murder and inquest following the discovery of a deceased couple at a smallholding in Melodie. The incident occurred during the early hours of Friday (11/9).

Police received a complaint of a shooting incident and responded to the scene, where the bodies of a man, 57, and his wife, 52, were discovered in their bedroom, both having sustained gunshot wounds to the head.

North West police spokesperson Thuto Bobelo said according to preliminary information, the couple’s daughter, 30, was asleep in another bedroom when she heard a gunshot coming from her parents’ bedroom.

She went to investigate and forced open a burglar door, where she discovered her parents deceased. She then contacted the police. “A revolver was found on the bed between the deceased. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.”

In a separate incident, police in Leeudoringstad are investigating a murder and inquest following a fatal stabbing at Kgakala Location, Extension 3, on Sunday evening (13/9). A female teacher, 33, at a school for the deaf was allegedly attacked inside her residence by a former boyfriend, 33. Bobelo said the incident is believed to be domestic violence related.

Preliminary information indicates the suspect, armed with a knife, allegedly gained entry by breaking a window. He allegedly attacked and fatally stabbed the victim before apparently inflicting a fatal stab wound to himself.

‘Adams has called on communities to take domestic violence and threats of violence seriously’

Both individuals were declared dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Rescue Services personnel. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to investigation.

Bobelo said police cannot reveal the names of those involved in either incident as the matters are still under investigation.

North West provincial commissioner Lt Gen Arthur Peter Adams has expressed concern over the events. Adams has condemned the loss of life in both incidents and called on communities to take domestic violence and threats of violence seriously before they escalate into fatal incidents.

“Gender based violence and domestic violence are not private family matters; they are serious crimes that can cost lives. We must never wait for violence to turn fatal before we act. If there are threats, intimidation, stalking, or signs of escalating abuse, report them and seek help. Silence must never become a shield for perpetrators.”

He appealed to members of the community to report threats of violence, domestic abuse, and suspicious behaviour to the police stressing that early intervention can save lives.

“In cases of domestic disputes, rather seek assistance than resort to violence. No disagreement, relationship, or circumstance justifies taking another person’s life.”

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