DURBAN - OThongathi residents are still reeling from shock after two people, believed to be lovers, were found dead in their room with gunshot wounds on Monday.
The pair had rented a room in the Hambanathi area. Neighbours, who did not want to be named, made the discovery after hearing gunshots coming from the room.
According to a neighbour, who declined to be named, he was walking his children to private scholar transport on the road when he heard the bangs. He said he heard the couple quarrelling from Sunday. The neighbour overheard that they were having a problem in their relationship.
“It seemed like the man was asking the woman to get back with him. They were screaming. It was quiet when we woke up because they had stopped arguing. I then heard four gunshots. At first, we did not think it was their house. A few minutes later, I heard people screaming,” he said.
Neighbours found the door unlocked and when they peered inside, they found the bloodied bodies. Some neighbours are still in shock. None of the neighbours revealed the names of the dead couple to the media.
oThongathi police are investigating a case of murder.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala said a complaint of a shooting was received at about 6am on Mabalengwe Road.
“Upon arrival, they found a 38-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the head. He was confirmed dead on the scene. A 32-year-old woman sustained gunshot wounds on the left hand, her right cheek and head. She was taken to hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on arrival,” said Gwala.
Reaction Unit SA spokesperson Prem Balram said a 9mm pistol was located between the pair. He said several paramedics from different services attempted to stabilise the critically injured duo but in vain.
IPSS Medical Rescue head Dylan Meyrick said reports from the scene indicated that this was an attempted murder or suicide.
Daily News