PERSON OF INTEREST
Andile Moshoeshoe|Published
The manhunt for the suspected gunman who killed three female managers at an Atrium Mall Boxer branch in eShowe, is intensifying, with police releasing an image of a former bakery department employee they want to question in connection with the triple murder.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has identified Nzuzo Mthombeni, 33, as a person of interest and appealed to the public for information that could help investigators locate him.
The killing of the three women on October 10 have also sparked questions about security at the store, with one of the victims’ families raising concerns about possible security lapses.
“Mthombeni is a person of interest and may assist police in the investigation into the killing of three women at a grocery store in eShowe on Saturday, 10 October 2026,” the SAPS said.
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth expressed shock and concern following the fatal shooting, allegedly after an internal disciplinary hearing.
Thandiwe Chili, 54, the store’s administrative manager, was laid to rest yesterday at KwaNdaya village in eSikhawini. Funeral arrangements for her colleagues, store manager Thembeka Ndaba, from Vryheid, and Lulama Mthembu, 34, a bakery manager from eZiqwaqweni, could not be verified.
In a statement released on Thursday, Meth urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the victims and their grieving families.
“We extend our deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones and all colleagues of the victims during this devastating time. No person should ever fear for their life or personal safety while carrying out their duties and responsibilities in the workplace.”
The Department of Employment and Labour stressed the importance of fostering positive workplace relationships through open dialogue between management, labour representatives and employees.
It also urged employers to strengthen employee wellness programmes to provide adequate mental health support, while encouraging workers to use these services to manage stress, conflict and personal challenges constructively.
Meth appealed to the public to stop circulating graphic footage of the shooting on social media, calling for empathy and respect for the victims’ families.
The leadership of uMlalazi Municipality and King Cetshwayo District Municipality visited the Mthembu household midweek to convey their condolences.
In a joint statement, uMlalazi Mayor Queen Xulu and King Cetshwayo District Mayor Sikhumbuzo Dlamini said the killings had sent shockwaves through the community.
“The municipalities are deeply saddened by this devastating incident, in which a worker at the store allegedly shot and killed three of his colleagues. This tragic loss of life has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving the families, friends, colleagues and the broader eShowe community in mourning.”
Family calls for justice
Khehla Chili, Thandiwe’s brother, said the suspect allegedly opened fire on the three women after learning that the outcome of his disciplinary hearing had gone against him.
“After they told him that, he got up and locked them in the office where the disciplinary hearing was held. He reportedly was out for a few minutes and came back armed with the gun, and shot all three,” Chili said.
He said all three women died at the scene.
A video circulating on social media appears to show the suspect standing at the office door while two women are seated and another is standing. He allegedly shoots them repeatedly at close range, including after they fall to the floor. The footage appears to show him reloading his firearm before continuing to shoot.
Chili said the family learnt of the killings after a relative working in the town was informed by a Boxer employee that Thandiwe was among those shot.
The relative went to the store to verify the information before alerting the family, who arrived at the scene at about 1pm.
Chili criticised what he described as inadequate security procedures at the store, arguing that employees should be searched for weapons when reporting for duty.
“They only search them when they clock off, to check if they haven't stolen anything. When they are clocking in they are not searched for weapons. Had this person been searched, it would have been easy to see that he was armed and would have been disarmed,” he said.
He said the killings had devastated the family, as Thandiwe had been a breadwinner supporting several relatives.
“She had children she was raising. One is at university. Then there were the children of her late sister, who also relied on her as well as grandchildren.”
The family’s priority was to see the suspect arrested and brought to justice, Chili said.
Chili said his sister had worked at several Boxer branches for more than 20 years, including the eShowe store, where she had been employed for six years.
Police appeal for information
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that eShowe police were searching for a suspect in connection with the killings.
Boxer Superstores expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said it was co-operating with SAPS.
“We also continue to provide care and support to our colleagues who have been deeply affected by this tragedy,” the company said.
The Pick and Pay-owned retailer said it had observed a moment of silence at its branches nationwide in honour of the victims. However, its announcement celebrating the milestone of reaching two million Facebook followers this week drew criticism from some social media users, who described it as insensitive in the wake of the killings.
Anyone with information about Mthombeni’s whereabouts is urged to contact Colonel Ngcobo on 082 334 8123 or Warrant Officer Sibiya on 079 500 0031.