‘He shot his own boy’ – SANDF dad turns gun on son, then himself

Polokwane – A 17-year-old boy was allegedly shot and killed by his 53-year-old father, who then attempted to take his own life, in what police believe may be a domestic violence incident at Ha Mutsha village in Tshitandani, Limpopo.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the tragedy occurred early on Sunday morning, around 06:17, in the Levubu policing area under the Vhembe District.

“It is alleged that police at Levubu received a call about a shooting incident in which a man shot his son and then attempted to take his own life by turning the 9mm pistol on himself at his home,” said Ledwaba.

Upon arrival, police found the man lying in a pool of blood outside the house, still alive, with a handgun next to him and several cartridges scattered nearby.

#sapsLIM A 17-year-old was allegedly fatally shot by his father (53) at Ha Mutsha village, Tshitandani in Levubu policing area under Vhembe District on Sunday 19/10. It is further alleged that the man, who is also a member of SANDF based outside Mookgophong, turned the gun on… pic.twitter.com/Hf8hvlyyud

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 20, 2025

“Further investigation led the police inside the house where they found a young male, estimated to be 17 years old, lying on the bed with bullet wounds to the head,” Ledwaba added.

The suspect, who is a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) based outside Mookgophong, was taken to hospital under police guard for medical treatment.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but authorities say domestic violence has not been ruled out. “Preliminary investigations indicate that the father and son were living alone in the house,” said Ledwaba.

Limpopo’s Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has condemned the incident and urged families to seek help when facing domestic challenges.

“I once more call upon families to seek professional help when experiencing domestic challenges instead of resorting to violence,” Hadebe said.

Police investigations are ongoing.