Elisha Molefe

Elisha Molefe

A senior advocate of the Mmabatho high court is one of the people who were shot dead in a love triangle yesterday morning.

Advocate Dewald Reynierse was shot in the head by professional hunter Chris van Wyk as he left his farm at Molopo-Oog near Mafikeng.

North West police said Van Wyk's live-in lover of 10 years, Lisa Botha, left him about three weeks ago to live with Reynierse.

At about 6.30am, Van Wyk intercepted the couple as they left for work.

Van Wyk fired one rifle shot and the bullet penetrated the windscreen of Reynierse double cab bakkie.

"He was hit in the head and died on the spot.

"Botha, who was following, saw the incident. She stopped her Toyota Conquest and started to flee on foot but was shot in the face and fell. She also died on the spot," the police statement said.

Van Wyk then went to his house and shot himself in the chest with the same rifle.

Superintendent Keaobaka Moses said police did not know why Van Wyk had committed the murders and suicide.

Van Wyk's younger brother Eric said his brother had been awarded a contract as a professional hunter in Botswana and was to travel there in two months' time.

Meanwhile, North West MEC for community safety Phenye Vilakazi has sent condolences to the bereaved families.

"Our stance is that we encourage all South Africans to seek help from professional organisations when they experience personal problems," said Vilakazi.