A 36-year-old man opened fire in Pretoria last week, killing two people before taking his own life. Authorities are trying to determine what led to the violence, while witnesses remain shocked by the scene.
Initial reports said the two victims were driving together when they noticed the suspect following them. Witnesses said the man followed their vehicle over several streets and appeared angry and determined. The couple tried to ignore him and kept driving.
When the cars stopped at a traffic light, the man got out of his vehicle holding a gun. He walked up to the couple’s car and shot through the window several times. The woman was hit multiple times and died at the scene. The male passenger suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
After the attack, the gunman turned the weapon on himself and shot himself in the head. Emergency personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
The motive for the attack remains unknown, but police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Community members have suggested the shooter may have had an emotional connection to one of the victims, but this has not been officially confirmed. Authorities are interviewing friends, relatives, and witnesses.
Witnesses and locals expressed shock at the severity of the violence. Many reported hearing screams and gunfire before seeing people run for safety. Some described it as one of the most shocking scenes they had ever seen in the area.
Police and paramedics spent hours securing the area, helping the survivor, and reassuring the public. Traffic in the greater Pretoria area was heavily affected while police collected forensic evidence.
The incident has renewed public concern about relationship-related crimes and violence against women in South Africa. Authorities said they are supporting the affected families and stressed that violence is never an acceptable solution to emotional or relationship conflicts.