Employment and Labour Minister Makhosazana Meth has urged the public to stop circulating CCTV footage of the fatal shooting of three female managers at a Boxer supermarket in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal.
The women were killed on 10 October in an incident reportedly linked to a disciplinary process.
The footage, which has been widely shared on social media, shows a man dressed in black entering an office where the three managers were seated before opening fire repeatedly.
Meth has called on the public to respect the victims’ grieving families and refrain from sharing the graphic footage.
In a statement, Boxer expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and confirmed that it was working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities as investigations continued.
Meth has also called on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
“No person should ever fear for their life or personal safety while carrying out their duties and responsibilities in the workplace,” she said.
The killings have sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many users condemning the attack. However, some have expressed sympathy for the alleged gunman, suggesting that he may have been working in a toxic environment. These comments have drawn criticism for appearing to excuse or justify the killings.
University of Johannesburg academic Professor Corne Buitendag, who specialises in gender-based violence and gender equality, has cautioned against speculation surrounding the incident.
Buitendag said the public should not normalise violence or shift blame for the deaths of the three women.
She warned that repeated exposure to violent incidents could desensitise people, regardless of how much media attention such cases receive.
Buitendag also raised concerns about social media narratives framing the incident as three women against one man, saying such arguments could reinforce a sense of entitlement among some men.
“Even if you are disgruntled, you cannot kill,” she said.
She added that comments seeking to excuse or justify the killings should be condemned, emphasising the need for accountability and respect for the victims and their families.