Man Kills Family in Verena

A man allegedly shot and killed his wife and three-year-old son before taking his own life during a suspected domestic violence incident in Verena on Tuesday night.

According to the Office of the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, the incident occurred at about 23:00 on 10 March 2026.

Police in Verena responded to reports of a domestic dispute at a home in the area. On arrival, officers found a neighbour who reported that the couple had been involved in a heated argument outside their house.

It is alleged that the suspect drew a firearm and shot his 43-year-old wife, their three-year-old son and the neighbour.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect fled the scene in his vehicle with his six-year-old daughter. Police later traced him to his parents’ home in another section of the area.

While searching the original crime scene, police discovered the body of the woman lying on the grass outside the house with multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics declared her dead at the scene.

The body of the three-year-old boy was found inside the living room with a gunshot wound. He was also declared dead at the scene.

Police further reported that two other relatives – the woman’s sister and her uncle – were also shot during the incident. Both were rushed to hospital to receive medical treatment.

Officers later proceeded to the suspect’s parents’ house, where they found him inside his vehicle with a gunshot wound. He showed no signs of life and was declared dead at the scene.

The six-year-old girl, who was also reportedly shot by the suspect, managed to escape and seek help from her grandmother. She was taken to hospital and is said to be in a stable condition.

Police said the suspect allegedly used his personal firearm during the attack. The firearm has since been seized as part of the investigation.

Police are currently investigating two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder and an inquest. The motive for the incident remains under investigation.