Three women were killed inside the retailer’s Eshowe store in KwaZulu-Natal, allegedly by a former colleague who had arrived for a disciplinary hearing.
KwaZulu-Natal police are still searching for the man accused of killing three women at the Boxer Superstore in Eshowe on Saturday, 10 October. Four days after the shooting, no arrest has been announced.
What happened
According to police, the suspect is a former employee who had come to the store for an internal disciplinary hearing, where he allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot three people in the room. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said all three were declared dead at the scene.
The victims were reportedly the store’s bakery, store and administration managers, allegedly shot inside the offices, and the suspect is reported to have worked in the bakery. One outlet reports that he is 33 years old and that the hearing reportedly ended in his dismissal, though police have not confirmed these details and have not named him.
Security camera footage shows a man shooting three women in an office multiple times before walking out. In the footage, the gunman reportedly reloads after running out of ammunition and continues firing.
Early reports on the day were confused: some initial accounts put the death toll at four or more, but police have since confirmed three deaths.
Victim named
The Zulu-language daily Isolezwe reported that Thandiwe Chili, who had worked at Boxer for 20 years, was among those killed. Her brother said she had spent six of those years at the Eshowe branch.
The family is calling for justice, and has raised questions about safety at the store. Chili’s brother alleged that staff are searched when they leave the premises, to check for stolen goods, but not when they arrive for work — arguing that searching employees on entry could stop weapons from being brought inside.
Boxer responds
Boxer said it was deeply saddened by the deaths and had been supporting the victims’ families since the tragedy. The retailer says it is also supporting affected colleagues and working with police on the investigation. On Tuesday, Boxer staff across the country held a moment of silence before their shifts in honour of the three employees.
Retail union SACCAWU was reportedly under the impression that the store would remain closed for several weeks.
Police appeal
Police have opened a triple murder case, and the suspect allegedly fled the supermarket after the shooting. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 035 473 4211 or 082 557 6033, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
