A quiet Sunday night in Thusi Village, Weselton, turned into a scene of heartbreak when two people were fatally shot in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide.
Emergency responders arrived on Hector Peterson Street shortly after 8pm, finding a man and woman dead from gunshot wounds. A two-year-old boy, who had been strapped to the woman’s back, miraculously escaped unharmed.
A Toddler’s Narrow Escape
Paramedics confirmed the child was examined on-site and showed no visible injuries. A neighbour comforted him until SAPS officers arrived and placed him in temporary custody for his safety.
Witnesses at the scene described moments of panic and disbelief. “People were crying and shaking. The child was still tied to his mother’s back,” a paramedic said.
Community in Shock
The shooting has left the Weselton community reeling. Several residents gathered near the cordoned-off scene, struggling to make sense of the tragedy.
An 18-year-old woman, believed to be a relative of one of the victims, was treated for shock and later transported to Ermelo Provincial Hospital for counselling and medical care.
Police have not yet released the names of the deceased, as investigations are ongoing.
Murder-Suicide Suspected
Early reports suggest the shooting may have been a domestic-related incident, though authorities have not confirmed any details regarding motive or relationship between the victims.
Police are expected to issue a formal statement once the initial investigation and post-mortem examinations are completed.
A Community Grieves
Weselton residents say violence in households has become too common, with several incidents reported in the area this year. Local leaders have urged families to seek help when facing conflict before it escalates into tragedy.
As the community mourns, the surviving toddler now faces an uncertain future, spared physically but surrounded by loss.
