Kabokweni man who allegedly shot and killed his own mother arrested

The South African Police service have arrested a man from Kabokweni after the fatal shooting of a 59-year-old woman near Nelspruit in Mpumalanga.

A single shot was reportedly fired after an altercation between the 30-year-old suspect and his wife. 

Kabokweni man shot and killed his own mother

According to reports from the SAPS, who related eyewitness statements, the man’s mother came out to quell the argument but ended up being fatally wounded by a gunshot.

The woman was rushed to hospital but sadly was declared dead on arrival.

It is unclear at this stage if the man intended to shoot his mother, but police are investigating a case of murder.

To make matters worse, the firearm in question was unlicensed meaning the suspect will face additional charges.

“According to the report, on that day, the man, his wife and another woman believed to be his friend, had a heated argument,” SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said on Sunday.

“The argument between the three escalated and the man’s mother, who was in another room with her other children heard the commotion and sought to intervene. 

“She then tried to calm the situation; however, her son, who had a firearm on him, fired a shot which struck his mother. 

“Out of shock, the victim’s daughter quickly went out of the house to find out what was happening, and she found her mom lying on the ground. 

“The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital, but sadly, she was certified dead upon arrival. 

SAPS Newsroom

“The matter was then reported to police who immediately opened a case of murder. 

“[After a] thorough investigation into the matter, it came forth that the suspect involved was the victim’s son. 

“On Thursday, 11 June 2020, police carried out a search for the suspect and found him in possession of an unlicensed firearm as well as ammunition. 

“Police further questioned him about the events on that fateful day, but he failed to give clear answers and was immediately arrested.”

The suspect is expected to appear at the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 June 2020, on charges of murder, possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license as well as defeating the ends of justice. 

The scourge of illegal firearms

Police have urged the public to report anyone they know or suspect is in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

“The issue of proliferation of firearms remains a concern factor as it has devastating effects and we encourage members of the public to report anyone who is unlawfully in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition regardless of whether you are related to the person or not,” Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma said.

Kabokweni man shot and killed mother – SAPS

“In order for a person to possess a firearm, they must have a valid license. As from 01 November last year, the Police Minister General Bheki Cele conducted a Firearm Amnesty Project where members of the public were encouraged to bring forth firearms to their nearest police stations. 

“This project is aimed at eliminating illegal firearms from society because we do recover those illegal firearms when conducting operations. 

“As police management, after realising that firearms are increasingly used in violent crimes where, in most incidents, victims lose their lives, the Minister came up with a plan that seeks to get rid of illegal firearms which are circulating in our communities. Hence we embarked on this project. I would like to applaud police for their efforts. I have also ordered the detectives to determine whether the confiscated firearm was not used to commit other crimes.”