Limpopo murder-suicide: ‘Couple often had arguments’
Sgt Walter Shumani Munyai allegedly shot and killed his wife, before he turned the gun on himself. Munyai's sister speaks out about the couple's relationship.
LIMPOPO – A police official stationed at Vuwani Police Station is said to have shot and killed his wife before turning his gun on himself on August 22.
It is reported that Sgt Walter Shumani Munyai was alone at home when his wife, Ndivhuwo Mercy Sendedza arrived. Short after she entered the house, neighbours heard shots fired.
https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/511709/listen-limpopo-police-sergeant-kills-wife-takes-his-own-life/
Limpopo police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, confirmed the incident and said when the police arrived at the scene, the two bodies were found inside the house in a pool of blood.
According to Mojapelo the motive behind the killing is unknown, but domestic violence is not ruled out. Police investigations are continuing, he said.
The late Munyai’s older sister, Polinah Munyai, said that the incident had left them all traumatised. According to her, the couple’s relationship was characterised by frequent arguments.
“My brother visited me on August 20 and talked about the problems they were experiencing. We visited the couple’s house to help them solve these problems, and thought that the two had forgiven each other.
“Then the tragedy happened. We are so hurt about this. I cannot even express my feelings.”
The chairperson of the Real Men Foundation, Itani Nengudza, visited the family and expressed his disappointment about the fact that some people still used violence to solve their problems. “This is heart-breaking,” he said.
Nengudza explained that there are several structures and organisations available to assist couples who have problems. “All we can do now is to make an appeal to the community not to resort to violence as a way out of their problems,” he said.
Nengudza called on all couples with problems to approach traditional leaders or other professional structures that can help them.
The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe made an urgent appeal to communities to seek professional assistance when faced with domestic or relationship challenges.
“Members of the South African Police Service are expected to be on the forefront in the battle against gender-based violence, and as human beings forming part of the broader society, they have to lead by example and approach relevant internal and or external platforms to seek assistance when faced with domestic challenges. There isn’t any justification to solve problems by violent means, as it often leads to the loss of lives,” Hadebe said.
