Authorities in South Africa have initiated a large-scale manhunt following a fatal shooting that resulted in three casualties at the Boxer Superstore located within the Atrium Shopping Centre in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal. The incident took place on Saturday morning, October 10, 2026, during an internal corporate disciplinary proceeding.
According to official statements provided by the South African Police Service through KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the suspect is a 33-year-old former bakery employee who attended the store for a scheduled disciplinary hearing regarding leave disputes. Upon being notified of the termination of his employment contract, the individual briefly exited the office before returning with a firearm and discharging multiple rounds at the management personnel present.
The victims, three women occupying administrative and managerial roles within the branch, sustained fatal gunshot injuries and were declared deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel. Family members identified one of the deceased as 54-year-old Thandiwe Chili, a long-serving administration manager from eSikhaleni who had been employed with Boxer Superstores for over two decades, including six years at the Eshowe branch. Law enforcement authorities have opened a triple murder docket and confirmed that no other injuries were officially recorded during the event.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators captured the suspect firing repeatedly, verifying the status of the victims, and subsequently fleeing the commercial premises. As of October 15, 2026, police operations remain active across the province as search teams track the suspect's movements. Authorities have requested anyone with relevant information regarding the suspect's location to contact local police stations or the national Crime Stop hotline.
Boxer Superstores released a formal statement extending condolences to the families of the victims and confirming that psycho-social support services have been deployed for staff members affected by the tragedy. The retail company stated it is fully cooperating with law enforcement officials in their ongoing investigation.
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