Mystery surrounds Kimberly shooting deaths
A Northern Cape family has been left with more questions than answers after a businessman shot dead his partner, who was also his brother-in-law, before allegedly committing suicide.
|||Kimberley - Easter weekend turned into a nightmare for two city families following a shooting at a prominent Kimberley business.
Although the reason behind the tragedy is still unclear, what is known is that on Thursday afternoon at around 1pm, 36-year-old Deon Diedericks walked into the business he co-owned with 38-year-old Adriano Visagie, and fired several shots.
One of the bullets killed his partner instantly while another was meant for himself. Diedericks died on the scene.
As police cordoned off the area and investigators arrived, emotional scenes unfolded on the pavement outside as family members and friends arrived after learning of the tragedy.
Police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder as well as an inquest after the shooting at Diano Auto Parts and Deco shortly after lunchtime on Thursday.
While relatives could not be reached for comment this weekend, it is believed that the business partnership between Diedericks and Visagie had come to an end and this might have caused animosity between the two.
Diedericks apparently entered the business in Thompson Street at approximately 1pm and an argument ensued between the two partners.
Several shots were fired, leaving Visagie dead while another employee sustained a flesh wound. Diedericks then entered an office where another shot was heard by staff members.
Police spokesman, Lieutenant Sergio Kock, confirmed that Diedericks was found dead in the office with a firearm next to him.
“At this stage we cannot confirm whether it was a suicide as nobody saw the shooting. A case of murder and attempted murder as well as an inquest into wrongful death are currently under investigation,” said Kock.
Netcare 911 arrived on the scene at around 2:30pm after responding to a call-out. Two bodies were removed from the scene while a third victim sustained a minor flesh wound after being grazed by the bullet.
Danielle Visagie, who is Diedericks’ sister and wife of Visagie, could not be reached for comment over the weekend, but she did change her Facebook profile picture to that of her husband along with a comment reading: “You were my rock and my anchor. You were the most positive person that I knew. I promise to keep your dream alive and I will always love you. Until we meet again my love.”
Anyone with further information regarding the incident can contact Detective Warrant Officer Patrick Dibebe on 082 302 0407.
The investigation continues.
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