Family shaken by shooting at Tshwane home

The family of a 41-year-old Mamelodi man has spoken out about a shooting for which he was arrested on charges of attempted murder.

The man, who was arrested in Soshanguve on Monday, was wanted by police for allegedly shooting his girlfriend and younger brother in Mamelodi East Section in White City on Sunday at around 03:00.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk says the suspect was traced and arrested, and found in possession of a firearm.

“It is alleged that the suspect and girlfriend were in a quarrel when his younger brother and his mother [called] him to order,” says Van Dyk.

The shooting occurred at the suspect’s family home.

Van Dyk says the suspect allegedly shot his girlfriend in the left breast and the right side of her stomach, while his younger brother was shot in the leg.

Police previously indicated that the girlfriend died, however, they have since confirmed that she is in ICU.

“The two victims were admitted to Mamelodi Regional Hospital, and the girlfriend is understood to be in a stable condition,” he says.

According to Van Dyk, police received information from witnesses on the scene that while the suspect was assaulting his girlfriend, his family members tried to stop him. Still, he insisted that he wanted her to pay him his money.

The man’s father, who wanted to remain anonymous, told Pretoria Rekord that the family is still shocked and traumatised.

He says the shooting occurred at his home and that the family was awakened by loud chatter in the yard as the quarrel ensued.

Van Dyk says the suspect appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court for possession of a firearm on Tuesday.