Police are hunting a former employee after three managers were shot dead at the Boxer store in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, following a disciplinary hearing. Image credit, Supplied
Police in KwaZulu-Natal are searching for a former employee after the Eshowe Boxer store shooting left three managers dead on Saturday. The man allegedly opened fire inside the store’s offices after a disciplinary hearing. All three women died at the scene.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspect went to the store for the hearing. He then allegedly produced a firearm and shot the three victims. According to police, security footage shows the man shooting the women several times inside an office before he walks out.
The victims were reportedly the store’s bakery, store and administration managers. One of them was Thandiwe Chili, 54, from eSikhaleni near Empangeni. She was a long serving Boxer employee. The names of the other two women have not yet been made public.
The suspect reportedly worked in the store’s bakery. According to Isolezwe, he became angry when he learned the outcome of the hearing. He then allegedly locked the managers in the office, left the building and came back a few minutes later with a gun. The victims’ family says the shooting happened at about 9am.
Family raises concerns after Eshowe Boxer store shooting
Chili’s brother, Khehla Chili, told Isolezwe that the family is devastated. He said his sister leaves behind children she was caring for.
He also questioned security at the store. According to him, staff are searched when they leave work but not when they arrive. He believes a search at the entrance could have stopped the gunman from bringing a weapon inside. Above all, he said, the family wants justice.
Boxer said it is supporting the families of the three women and the colleagues affected by the shooting. The company added that it is working closely with police. On Tuesday, Boxer teams across the country held a moment of remembrance before starting their shifts. In its statement, the retailer said the three women will not be forgotten.
Police have not named the suspect, and he remains at large. Meanwhile, the search for the man behind the Eshowe Boxer store shooting continues. Police urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact Crime Stop or their nearest police station.