A Durban businessman allegedly shot and killed his estranged wife before turning the gun on himself in a tragic incident at a business property they jointly owned in Glen Ashley.
The victims have been identified as Vikash Rajwanta (48) and Unitha Rajwanta (47), who were reportedly in the process of divorcing at the time of the shooting.
According to family members, Unitha had been hosting a baby shower at her home, located opposite the business premises, when the incident unfolded. Her daughter, Caitlin, said her father arrived during the gathering and told her mother that a prospective tenant wanted to view office space at the Marion Centre, which the couple co-owned.
The situation escalated into an argument in the parking area, where Vikash allegedly shot Unitha before taking his own life. Family members who heard the gunshots rushed to the scene and found her critically wounded.
The couple leave behind two daughters, aged 20 and 16.
Relatives have alleged that the marriage had been marked by years of abuse, with a protection order in place at the time of the incident. Family members said police had previously been called to the home on multiple occasions.
Unitha’s brother, Claud Ramparuth, said the family is struggling to come to terms with the loss, describing the incident as devastating. He added that his sister had recently taken steps to leave the marriage, which he believes may have contributed to the escalation.
Questions have also been raised about the firearm used in the shooting, with the family indicating that investigations are needed to determine how the weapon was obtained.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.