Potchefstroom-The incident in which renowned musician Zirk Bergh allegedly shot dead two people, i.e. his wife’s ex-husband, a social worker and wounded his ex-wife before turning the gun on himself and fatally shooting himself is shocking and tragic,North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Sunday.

“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the wicked and ghastly act that has shattered the lives of three innocent children who are now left without the love and care of their parents. That the incident occurred a few days after the closure of the 16 days of activism on no violence against women and children campaign should challenge us to intensify our effort for a 365 days campaign” said Premier Modise.

In calling for men who are experiencing pressure in their personal relationships to seek counselling and professional advice instead of resorting to violence, Modise called on real men to stand up to be counted in the fight against the scourge of gender based violence which transcends class and race.

According to a media report by Rapoort, Bergh who was supposed to pick up his daughter for a day’s visit reportedly shot and wounded his ex-wife Nicolette Du Randt on her back and head, shot 23 –year- old social worker Deon Kondos and proceeded to shoot her husband Dr. Charl du Randt who was waiting with his four year old daughter car an infant in his car.

The incident reportedly occurred outside the Suid-Afrikaanse Vrouefederasie (SAVF) offices in Potchefstroom at around 8:00 am on Saturday morning.

“Real men do not to hurt women but protect them against violence. Our prayers are with the mother of the three children who is hospital and the families that lost their loved ones in the tragic incident,” stressed Modise.-TDN
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