Cradock murder: Woman shoots herself in the head while being questioned by police

The police in the Eastern Cape are investigating the alleged murder of a 36-year-old man from Lingelihle, Cradock, who was shot and killed on Saturday night, 25 September. The murder suspect was located quickly by the local police and in a twist, a woman who was connected to the suspected gunman allegedly turned a weapon on herself while being questioned by officers.

POLICE RESPOND TO CRADOCK MURDER

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said the deceased, Sivenathi Ralarala, was at his family home in Dlephu Street, Lingelihle, when an unknown man arrived and requested to speak with him.

Ralarala went outside to speak with the man and the family heard gunshots. When they went to check what happened, they found the body of the 36-year-old on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. He died at the scene at approximately 20:15 on Saturday.

“While still at the scene, police received information that a silver Hyundai was allegedly involved and immediately the vehicle was circulated,” said Naidu. “The Tactical Response Team in Mthatha spotted the vehicle on the R61 and stopped it near Tabase village.”

WOMAN SHOOTS HERSELF NEAR TABASE VILLAGE

The police found a couple in the silver vehicle – a 40-year-old man, who was the driver, and a woman in the passenger seat.

The police spokesperson said that while the woman was being questioned she allegedly took out a pistol and shot herself in the head. She was taken to a medical facility in Mthatha for treatment, where she is alive but in a critical condition.

The driver of the vehicle was detained for further questioning about the Cradock murder. “A 9mm pistol, magazine and six rounds of ammunition was seized. The firearm will be sent to ballistics for analysis.  The silver Hyundai was also seized for investigation,” said Naidu.

The Cradock murder investigation continues.