Community rocked by family murder

Unanswered questions surround the tragic events which unfolded in Sallies Village last week, resulting in the death of a local woman and her three children.

Sandra Schwartz (39) and her three children, Shereè (19), Lee-Ann (16) and Simeon (10), were found fatally shot in their Modder Street home on Wednesday.

The house had also been set alight.

According to Capt Pearl van Staad, spokesperson for the Brakpan SAPS, police responded to a report of a fire at the address around 5pm.

“On arrival, they found the house burning and the fire brigade was summoned to the scene,” she said.

“The owner of the house managed to extinguish the fire and found his wife and three children in the living room with bullets wounds from a 9mm pistol.

“The pistol was found on the floor.”

The mother and children were certified dead on scene and van Staad confirmed that the pistol belonged to Sandra’s husband, Johan Schwartz.

Police suspect that Sandra shot the children and then herself.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

Three cases of murder and an inquest docket were opened.

“The dockets have been transferred to the Organised Crime Unit and we are awaiting the results of the forensics reports,” added van Staad.

Attempts by the Herald to contact Johan and other family members were unsuccessful.

Online readers react

The story was published on the Herald’s website at www.brakpanherald.co.za. Readers took to our Facebook page to share their thoughts.

Read: Mom and three children found dead in Sallies Village

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