By Staff Reporter
VHEMBE – A 53-year-old soldier allegedly shot and killed his 17-year-old son before attempting to take his own life at Ha-Mutsha village, Tshitandani, in the Levubu policing area under the Vhembe District on Sunday morning, 19 October 2025.
According to Limpopo police, officers from Levubu received reports of a shooting at around 06:17. Upon arrival, they found the father lying in a pool of blood outside the house, still alive, with a 9mm pistol next to him. Several spent cartridges were scattered on the ground.
Further investigation led officers inside the house, where they discovered the lifeless body of a 17-year-old boy on a bed with gunshot wounds to the head.
Police confirmed that the 53-year-old man is a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) stationed outside Mookgophong. He was transported to hospital under police guard for medical treatment.
The motive behind the shooting is not yet known, but domestic violence has not been ruled out as the father and son were the only occupants of the house.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed deep concern over the incident and condemned the continued rise in domestic-related violence.
“I once more call upon families to seek professional help when experiencing domestic challenges instead of resorting to violence,” said Hadebe.
Police investigations are continuing.
