A South African police officer has taken his own life after killing his 27-year-old girlfriend, Abona Magaba, and their one-year-old daughter, Lihlume Magaba.
Thembelani Lamani shot Aboni and Lihlume at her parents’ home in Samora Machel, Cape Town, on April 10, 2024.
The suspect, also a police officer stationed at Faure, allegedly used his service pistol to kill Abona after she ended their relationship a few weeks prior.
Lamani had reportedly visited Abona’s home in the days leading up to the murder, attempting to reconcile, but she rejected his advances.
On April 10, Lamani returned, and when Abona’s family tried to keep him from entering, he began shooting, killing his ex-girlfriend and their child.
Abona’s younger sister, 13, was also shot in the leg but survived.
The suspect then went to his car and allegedly used his service pistol to take his own life.
Speaking to journalists, the deceased’s mother, Nozuko Magaba, said Lamani had been trying to reconcile with Aboni, but she refused.
“I was leaving the yard, and he was by the gate, smoking. I recognized him as my daughter’s partner. I asked him his purpose and told him not to enter my home while smoking,” the grieving mother stated.
“He pulled out a gun, and I told Abona to lock the door. My 14-year-old daughter locked it, but he shot under the lock, then at the window to the passage, and then went to a side window, breaking it to enter.
“There were many shots, and all I could do was tell the people my family was under attack. I heard my husband yell, ‘Why did you come to kill my child in my home?’
“Shortly after, I heard another shot. I ran to my sister’s house and told her that people had been killed at my home.
“The police arrived quickly and asked about the shooting. I told them it happened at my house, and they went inside.
“They advised me to stay back and informed me that my husband survived, but my eldest daughter and grandchild were killed, and the young one had been shot in the leg.”
Nozuko stated Lamani then killed himself in his car outside the home.
The grandmother explained the relationship between Abona and Lamani was troubled.
“He was abusive, and we disapproved of him. My daughter drew the line when he destroyed her work laptop and cell phone, accusing her of infidelity, which wasn’t true. She either stayed with him or came home.”
“My daughter had to replace her laptop at a cost of R15,000 because her employer didn’t care what happened.”
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said detectives in Samora Machel are investigating the deaths of three individuals, including an off-duty police constable.
“The incident occurred Wednesday evening around 7 p.m. on Basil February Street in Samora Machel. Initial findings suggest the off-duty constable shot his girlfriend, her daughter, and wounded a 13-year-old girl who lived at the same address,” Pojie explained.
“He then went to his car and allegedly used his service pistol to take his own life. Investigations include two counts of murder, an attempted murder, and an inquest.”
