A massive police manhunt is underway in northern KwaZulu-Natal after a former grocery store employee allegedly opened fire inside a supermarket on Saturday afternoon, leaving three people dead.

The tragic incident occurred at the Boxer Superstore in eShowe during an internal corporate proceeding.

According to KZN police, the suspect—identified as a former employee of the retail chain—had arrived at the supermarket to attend a scheduled internal disciplinary hearing.

During the session, the situation escalated dramatically when the suspect allegedly produced a hidden firearm and opened fire on the individuals present in the room.

Three victims suffered fatal gunshot wounds and were tragically declared dead at the scene by emergency medical services.

While early unconfirmed social media reports initially feared a higher toll, official law enforcement statements have confirmed three fatalities from the shooting.

The shooter fled the supermarket immediately after the attack.

SAPS quickly cordoned off the active crime scene and deployed tactical units to track down the suspect.

SAPS provincial spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed that a triple murder investigation has been opened.

“Police in eShowe are tracing a suspect who shot and killed three people at a grocery chain store on Saturday,” Netshiunda stated. “Reports indicate that the suspect is a former employee who had gone to the store for his internal hearing.”

The supermarket tragedy coincided with another separate mass shooting in the region on the exact same day.

In KwaMsane, an off-duty police constable allegedly shot and killed three women and wounded a man at a local tavern before turning the firearm on himself.

Top provincial authorities are investigating the exact circumstances surrounding both deadly incidents.

Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the fleeing eShowe supermarket suspect to contact the police immediately.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content