A 32-year-old male suspect was taken into custody by the police in Piet Retief late on
Thursday, 15 June 2023, not long after reportedly shooting five members of his family.
A grandmother (age 71) and three children—ages 3, 8, and 10—are among the victims.
A 22-year-old lady, who was also allegedly shot by the same perpetrator, is lucky to be
alive but is in critical condition.

The shocking incident is said to have occurred in Piet Retief around 18h15 (15 June
2023). According to the report, a family member is said to have left home to purchase
some food and on his return, he noticed something strange as the sound of the radio
inside the house was so loud and this was unusual to him.

After knocking at the door without a response, he then broke it to gain entry. Once
inside, he reportedly met the suspect, who is a family member in possession of a
firearm.

It was not long before he saw the lifeless body of his grandmother as well as his sister
laying on the floor. Fortunately, the sister was still alive and she was taken to hospital
for medical treatment for a gunshot wound(s) on her stomach.

Sadly, the lifeless bodies of three children were also found in separate bedrooms.

When the Police in Piet Retief, as well as the paramedics, arrived at the scene, the
three children and the granny were unfortunately certified dead.

A case with four counts of murder and one of attempted murder is being investigated by
the Police. Some cartridges as well as ammunition were found by the Police at the
scene.

Immediately after the incident, Police in Piet Retief worked with speed under the
leadership of the Provincial Commissioner whereby the suspect was arrested and
charged accordingly.

During his arrest, a firearm believed to have been used in the commission of the crime
was confiscated for further investigation.

The offender is expected to appear at the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19
June 2023.