WATCH CCTV FOOTAGE OF A MAN SHOOTING HIS WIFE THEN TURN THE GUN ON HIMSELF AT BURGERSFORT

When Leaving Becomes the Most Dangerous Moment

A disturbing incident at a Kwik Spar in Burgersfort has once again forced communities to confront a painful truth: for many victims of domestic abuse, the most dangerous moment is when they finally choose to leave.

According to widely shared footage and accounts, a man deliberately drove to a location where his estranged wife was present. Surveillance video reportedly shows him exiting his vehicle and moving directly toward her. Within moments, he fatally shot her before turning the gun on himself. The incident unfolded in a public space, in full view of others, leaving witnesses traumatized and a community shaken.

People close to the couple have since spoken about a relationship marked by toxicity and abuse. The woman had reportedly endured years of mistreatment before making the difficult decision to leave. That act of courage — choosing freedom and safety — tragically became the trigger for lethal violence.

This was not a crime of passion. It was an act of control.

Domestic violence is not about love, anger, or jealousy. It is about power. When an abuser realizes they are losing control over their partner, the risk of extreme violence escalates. This case reflects a pattern seen across the world: women are most vulnerable when they attempt to leave abusive relationships.

The public nature of this killing also challenges the myth that abuse is a “private matter.” Violence rooted in control does not stay behind closed doors. It spills into workplaces, stores, streets, and the lives of strangers who are forced to witness its consequences.

It is also important to be clear: the responsibility lies entirely with the perpetrator. No history of relationship conflict, no breakup, and no emotional distress justifies murder. Choosing to end one’s life after taking another’s does not erase the harm caused, nor does it lessen the devastation left behind for families, friends, and witnesses.

If anything meaningful is to come from this tragedy, it must be awareness and action. We must listen more closely when people speak about abuse. We must take threats seriously. We must support survivors when they choose to leave — not after it’s too late.

And we must stop excusing controlling behavior as love.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. Reaching out can feel frightening, but silence is often what allows violence to grow. Leaving is an act of strength — and survivors deserve protection, not punishment, for choosing it.