A Cape Town man reportedly murdered his family members before shooting himself in the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident has rocked the Kuils River community.
Forensic personnel and police were on the scene in Old Nooiensfontein Road. 48-year-old Hilton van Zyl is the accused. The victims include his wife Anastasia (44) and daughter Cassidy (15).
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The mother, father and sister were found dead on the scene. The son, believed to be 23 years old, made a narrow escape, reports IOL.
There have been allegations that the accused had a drinking problem, which made him violent towards his wife and children. The parents are believed to have been on the brink of divorce and his actions were reportedly a result of this. Police have not confirmed these allegations.
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Provincial police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the shooting incident.
“Kuilsriver police attended a complaint in Old Nooiensfontein Road in the early hours of Sunday, September 25, 2022. Upon arrival at the scene, they found a male aged 48, a female aged 44, and a girl aged 15 who sustained gunshot wounds,” said Swartbooi.
Swartbooi says the Kuils River police are investigating two counts of murder.
“Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stop on 086 001 0111,” Swartbooi added.
The Western Cape MEC for police oversight and community safety, Reagen Allen, commented: “I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of everyone that is affected by this tragedy.”
Furthermore, Allen said that the circumstances around the shooting are currently being investigated and they would like to request the community to not make any speculations around the incident but instead allow the SAPS to establish the facts so that their investigation can be finalised.
“Sundays are notorious for killings, as the data to our disposal shows that most murders in the Western Cape occur between 3am to 11pm on a Sunday,” concludes Allen.
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