A COUNCILLOR in the Molemole municipality, Limpopo, shot and killed his lover before turning the gun on himself.

The incident happened at about 7am yesterday at the woman's rented room in Mogwadi (formerly Dendron), a stone's throw from the municipal offices.

Mathews "Tambo" Manthata, who was Ward 12 councillor, allegedly shot dead the council's administration officer, Olivia Machaka, after an argument.

Manthata, 38, had allegedly visited Machaka, 23, at her room where the two argued. Sensing danger, Machaka allegedly called her colleague, Bridgette Mashao, to her room.

On Mashao's arrival, Manthata pulled out a gun and shot Machaka dead. Mashao ran to the municipal offices to inform other colleagues about her friend's killing, and when they went to investigate they found Manthata's body lying next to that of Machaka.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Ronel Otto said it appeared Manthata had shot himself dead but the firearm used was not Manthata's.

Yesterday's incident was not the first at the municipality. In December 2006, the municipality's then corporate services manager, Sani Mabitsela, opened fire on three officials before killing himself after a dispute over his reinstatement.

Mabitsela was allegedly told to stay home after a doctor had declared him unfit to work following a car accident. But he would take none of that and wanted to return to work.

He shot Tebogo Letshedi (then chief finance officer), Nono Rachekhu (administration officer), and mayor Maite Mohale before killing himself.

But all three survived.