The isolated community of TshitunitshaGavhe village in the Nzhelele area was shocked to the core when a resident allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend before turning a gun on himself.

According to the police, they are investigating an incident in which Mr Edward Mavhungu (38) allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, Avhashoni Mahumela (32), before turning the firearm on himself. The incident took place last Wednesday.

It is alleged that the two had an argument, which led to the tragedy. Mavhungu died shortly after the incident, while Mahumela died after three days in hospital. She was rushed to the Siloam hospital immediately after the incident and was later transferred to the provincial hospital in Polokwane, where she died on Saturday.

The incident has left residents shocked and traumatized. They said it was a horror that had never happened in the village before. Mavhunga had just returned from Johannesburg, where he worked as a security guard.

W/O Lazarus Netshidzati of the police at Mphephu said that Mavhunga is suspected to have shot his girlfriend and run away. "The police tried looking for him, but could not find him. His lifeless body was recovered next to his home with a bullet wound to the head. His licensed pistol was lying right next to him," he said.

According to Netshidzati, Mahumela was shot three times: under her right breast, in her stomach and at her back. "Although the suspect released five rounds, only three hit Mahumela," he added.

Netshidzati further confirmed that a case of murder was opened with the police, following Mahumela's death. "We also opened an inquest docket, following Mavhungu's death," he added.

Mavhungu and Mahumela will be laid to rest at the Tshitunitshafhasi cemetery tomorrow (Saturday).