An employee of the Theewaterskloof municipality in Caledon killed himself moments after shooting his estranged wife in the street in front of their home on Saturday, 30 July, just days before South Africa celebrates Women’s month.
Also Read: No stone unturned– Several arrests made toward West Village gang rape
Heindrich Wyngaard, chairman of Cape Forum told Netwerk24 on Sunday that he arrived at the scene at around 14:00 on Saturday just after the man had shot his wife. He asked Wyngaard to call the ambulance services, and while Wyngaard was on the phone with the police, he shot himself.
The incident occurred on Main Road in Bergsig, Caledon
The couple is reportedly Matsemela and Bianca Morobi. Matsemela worked at the Theewaterskloof municipality and Bianca was an employee at the Caledon Casino. The couple were estranged from each other and no longer lived together. They have three kids together.
Wilfred Solomons, director of community services and acting municipal manager, said that he immediately sent senior officials to the scene to support the children and other family members.
Wyngaard, who lives in Caledon, thanked the police and ambulance services for their quick response.
He said when the ambulance arrived at the scene, the woman was in critical condition and later passed away. The man died instantly.
Wyngaard said, “This is a sad and shocking combination of three of the worst crime concerns in the province – domestic violence, gender violence and firearm violence. Of course, it is difficult to police households and marriages, but the incident is a wake-up call about the control of firearm ownership. Equally worrying is the fact that children, as in many other similar events, have been orphaned by the incident.”
Cape Forum prioritised Caledon – as the seat of the Theewaterskloof Municipality and a central town in the Overberg – for a community safety project.
Policing and community safety are one of the 10 focus areas of Cape Forum, according to Wyngaard.
Also Read:
The City approves bridging funds for homeless and addiction support
Picture: Cape{town}Etc gallery