Sinenhlanhla Masilela|Published
Police in KwaZulu-Natal are appealing to the public to help locate Nzuzo Mthombeni, a person of interest in the investigation into the murder of three women at a Boxer grocery store in Eshowe.
The three women were killed at the store on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said Mthombeni could assist investigators probing the triple murder.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Colonel Ngcobo on 082 334 8123 or Warrant Officer Sibiya on 079 500 0031.
Police have appealed to community members to come forward with any information that could help advance the investigation.
The three women were killed by a former colleague who had gone to the store for a disciplinary hearing.
“The suspect produced a firearm and shot three people who were declared dead at the scene. A manhunt for the suspect is underway,” said Netshiunda.
It was reported that the man had worked in the store’s bakery. The victims were reportedly the bakery, store, and administration managers, who were allegedly shot inside the offices. Police have not identified the man.
Victims locked in office
One of the victims has been identified as Thandiwe Chili, 54, originally from eSikhaleni in Empangeni. Her brother, Khehla Chili, told Isolezwe that the shooter had been called to a disciplinary hearing. According to the family, when the three managers informed him that he was being charged, he stood up, locked them inside the office where the meeting was being held, left for a few minutes, and returned with a firearm.
"He came back with a gun and shot all three of them," said Chili.
He said the incident happened at around 9am and all three women were found dead at the scene. A relative who also works in Eshowe was informed by another Boxer employee. The family went to the scene at around 1pm.
Boxer mourns three employees
Meanwhile, Boxer has expressed its deep sadness following the deaths of three employees in what it described as a horrific act of violence at its Eshowe store.
In a statement, the retailer extended its condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, saying it had been supporting them since the tragedy occurred.
The company said it was also providing care and support to colleagues who had been deeply affected by the incident.
“We are working closely with the SAPS and relevant authorities, providing our full cooperation and assistance with the ongoing investigation,” the statement read.
Staff observe moment of remembrance
Boxer said its teams across the country observed a moment of remembrance before beginning their shifts on Friday in honour of their deceased colleagues.
The retailer also thanked communities across South Africa for the condolences, compassion and support it had received following the killings.
“Above all, we remember three valued members of our Boxer family whose lives were tragically cut short. They will not be forgotten,” the company said.
The investigation into the triple murder is ongoing.
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