Domestic violence suspected after 4 people die in separate North West incidents

The North West's Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, has expressed his worry about domestic violence following two separate incidents in which four people lost their lives. The incidents occurred in Hartbeespoort Dam and Leeudoringstad.

In the first incident, police in Hartbeespoort Dam are investigating a murder after discovering a dead couple at a smallholding in Melodie. The couple, aged 57 and 52, were found dead in the early hours of Friday, 11 September 2026. Both had gunshot wounds to their heads. The 30-year-old daughter of the deceased couple heard gunshots and found her parents dead. A revolver was discovered in the bedroom between the bodies. The police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The second incident took place in Leeudoringstad, where police are investigating a fatal shooting at Kgakala Location in Extension 3. A 33-year-old teacher at a school for the deaf was allegedly attacked by a 33-year-old man, suspected to be her former boyfriend. The suspect forcefully entered the residence through a broken window, armed with a knife. He allegedly stabbed the victim to death and then took his own life. Both individuals were pronounced dead by emergency medical services.

Lieutenant General Adams condemned the loss of life in both incidents and emphasized that domestic violence should not be considered a private family matter. He stressed that gender-based violence and domestic violence are serious crimes that can result in loss of life. He urged people to report threats, intimidation, stalking, or signs of escalating abuse, as silence can become a shield for perpetrators.