Tragedy Strikes: Security Guard's Rampage Leaves Two Dead, Wife and Child Injured – Arrest Follows in South Africa

South African authorities have apprehended a 35-year-old security guard named Thabo Molobela, who had been evading capture after allegedly shooting six members of his own family, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals in Limpopo, South Africa.

The suspect was taken into custody at Santeng village, located outside Sekororo in Limpopo on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Reports suggest that the suspect had been experiencing unresolved marital issues with his wife. Tragically, he resorted to violence, allegedly shooting not only his spouse but also their child, as well as her sister and cousin.

The horrifying incident occurred while these family members were inside a car, preparing to depart from Makgophong village in Magatle on August 19, 2023, at approximately 19:00.

Regrettably, the wife's cousin and sister succumbed to their injuries, while she and her one-year-old child remained in critical condition. The two deceased individuals were identified as Reneilwe Phogole, aged 39 (cousin), and Adelaide Mapulane, aged 29 (sister).

Reportedly, on the fateful day, the couple, who resided in the same village (Makgophong), had initially met to resolve their marital issues, but the situation escalated when the suspect launched an attack on the family.

In the early hours of September 14, 2023, a collaborative effort by the Provincial Tracking Team, Provincial Murder and Robbery units, Magatle Detectives, Private Securities, and Farm Watch led to the successful tracing and apprehension of the suspect through an intelligence-led operation.

Upon police arrival at Santeng village in Hoedspruit, located outside Sekororo, the suspect allegedly attempted to commit suicide by shooting himself. However, law enforcement managed to disarm him, and he was promptly transported to a local hospital for medical attention. He has since been discharged and is now in police custody.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, commended the operational team for their efforts in tracing and apprehending the suspect, bringing the authorities closer to achieving justice for the victims. She urged individuals experiencing marital issues to seek professional help.

The suspect will soon appear before the Magatle Magistrate's Court, facing charges that include two counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder.