The police in Mopani are investigating a case of murder, following the death of three family members. The incident took place at the Thembisa Trust settlement in the Acornhoek area on Sunday night at about 20:00.

According to the police spokesperson in the area, Capt Maano Sadike, the victims, a 58-year-old man, his wife, aged 53, and their 10-year-old daughter were relaxing in the living room when the incident occurred. According to the police statement, the gunman plunged into the house through the window and opened fire without saying a word.

The man was shot in the left ear and ribs while the wife had four bullet wounds to the cheek and stomach. The little girl was shot in the eye and left ear. The statement further indicates that the girl fell down and died inside the house somewhere in the corridor.

Her mother collapsed and died outside the house. The man was taken to the Tintswalo Hospital where he was certified dead on arrival. The man was identified as Raymond Mashego and the mother’s name is Kelebone Mashego.

The little girl’s identity was still to be confirmed at the time of going to press. According to the police statement, the gunman was a familiar figure to the bereaved family. The statement further indicates that the gunman had a love affair with one of the deceased’s daughters.

The gunman’s lover was not at home during the incident. The gunman was still at large at the time of going to press, but the police were confident that they would end his freedom shortly.