FORMER BAKERY EMPLOYEE KILLS THREE STORE MANAGERS FOLLOWING DISCIPLINARY HEARING IN ESHOWE

Authorities in South Africa have launched a manhunt following a deadly shooting on Saturday morning, October 10, 2026, at the Boxer Superstore in the Atrium Shopping Centre in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal. A 33-year-old former bakery worker opened fire inside the retail location after being dismissed during an internal disciplinary hearing, leaving three female managers dead.

According to statements provided by law enforcement officials and victim relatives, the disciplinary procedure was held to resolve workplace disputes regarding leave requests. Upon being informed that his employment contract was being terminated, the former employee briefly left the office, returned armed with a firearm, and locked the door from the inside before opening fire on the three administrative executives present.

The spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal police service, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed that law enforcement has opened a triple murder investigation. Authorities verified that the perpetrator fired multiple rounds at close range before fleeing the scene. CCTV surveillance cameras recorded the suspect executing the attack before escaping from the shopping complex.

All three victims sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical responders. Family members identified one of the deceased executives as 54-year-old Thandiwe Chili, a resident of eSikhaleni near Empangeni, who had worked for Boxer Superstores for over two decades, including six years as the administration manager at the Eshowe branch.

Boxer Superstores released an official statement expressing condolences to the victims' families, colleagues, and community members. The retail chain announced that it is extending psychological support services to affected staff members while fully cooperating with police investigators. Company personnel nationwide observed a moment of silence to honor the deceased employees as the police search for the fugitive continues.