Limpopo SANDF Member Allegedly Shoots and Kills 17-Year-Old Son Before Turning Gun on Himself
- A member of the South African National Defence Force allegedly shot and killed his 17-year-old son
- The SANDF member also attempted to take his own life on Sunday, 19 October 2025, in Limpopo
- The 53-year-old suspect was taken to the hospital for medical treatment under police guard
On Sunday, 19 October 2025, a 53-year-old South African National Defence Force member shot and killed his 17-year-old son in Tshitandani, Levubu, in Limpopo.
Source: Getty Images
Father fatally shoots 17-year-old son
According to the South African Police in Limpopo, the incident occurred on Sunday, 19 October 2025, at around 06:17 at the Ha Mutsha village, Tshitandani in Levubu. Police said the 53-year-old suspect fatally shot his son before attempting to take his own life using a 9mm pistol at his home.
Upon arrival, SAPS officers found the 53-year-old lying on the ground, wounded, with a firearm next to him. The suspect was still alive, and several cartridges were found around him. Police said that upon further investigation, officers found the body of the 17-year-old son on a bed in the house.
Suspect rushed to hospital
The SANDF member, based outside Mookgophong, was rushed to the hospital under police guard. Police said that the victim and the suspect were staying alone in the house and that the matter could allegedly be domestic violence.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has condemned the ongoing incidents of domestic violence in the province. She said that families should seek professional help when facing domestic challenges instead of resorting to violence.
South Africans weigh in
Social media users shared their thoughts regarding the tragic shooting incident.
Jabu Andrew said:
"Will see the investigations. What I know is that the law must now check those who are fit to own firearms."
Chemisty Moyo said:
"Kids of today are not for the weak. They do what you've never seen before. Parents are going through a lot."
Tshimangadzo Lekgotla Matala said:
"Sad news, I wonder what went wrong between the father and the son. God have mercy."
Thaps'n Thaps said:
"Limpopo is a country straight. Another father and child."
Sck Sunshine said:
"The problem with anger doesn't have a professional, but let's try to resist when life comes on."
Source: Getty Images
Other shooting incident stories in 2025
A 43-year-old father was arrested and charged with the negligent handling of a firearm following a tragic shooting. This comes after his 11-year-old child shot and killed a farm worker on a farm in Thabazimbi, Limpopo.
The father of an eight-year-old boy was arrested and released on warning after his eight-year-old son shot and killed his seven-year-old cousin on 2 October 2025 in Nothintwa in the Eastern Cape. The incident happened when the boy found his father's licensed firearm in his bedroom. He then pointed the gun at his cousin. A shot went off, and his cousin died on the spot.
A man who was involved in a shooting is feeling the wrath of the law. SAPS authorities recently apprehended the man for his crimes. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala explained the investigation into how the 18-year-old was shot. His 41-year-old father turned out to be an unlawful owner of a 9 mm pistol.
2 Arrested after elderly couple killed in Rustenburg
In a related article, Briefly News reported that two people were arrested after they shot and killed an elderly couple on 14 June 2025 in the North West.
The incident happened in Rustenburg and was reportedly the result of road rage. The suspects were arrested shortly after escaping from the scene.
Source: Briefly News
