By Thabiso Nkuna
In a tragic turn of events, a woman was fatally shot by her husband who then turned the gun on himself in Kabokweni, near White River, Mpumalanga. The incident occurred early in the morning on Tuesday, 06 August, casting a shadow over the ongoing celebrations of Women’s Month. Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
This devastating event is a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBVF) that continues to affect communities, not just in South Africa but around the world. As the police and emergency services work at the scene, efforts are underway to understand the circumstances leading up to this tragedy.
In response to the incident and the broader challenge of GBVF, the SAPS in Mpumalanga has scheduled a Prayer Day in Ermelo on Wednesday, 07 August. This event will see members of the police force join with Faith-Based Organizations to pray for an end to this societal scourge.
The SAPS urges anyone facing domestic violence to seek help. Resources and support are available through the Crime Stop hotline and Victim Friendly Facilities at police stations throughout the province. The community’s collective effort is crucial in combating domestic violence and supporting those affected by it.
