An Afghan immigrant has murdered his wife and killed himself in Bordertown, South Australia, leaving their six children orphaned.
South Australia Police said the bodies of Mirza Husseini, 47, and his wife Shafiqa, 41, were found inside their home just after 11pm on Sunday night after responding to a welfare check request from a family member.
The children were not home at the time, and police confirmed the husband had murdered his wife and taken his own life.
The family came to Australia from Afghanistan about 15 years ago and some members had worked at the JBS meatworks, the Advertiser reported.
“Police discovered the deaths of the individuals after a relative contacted police and requested a welfare check after they couldn’t contact them,” Acting assistant commissioner Cath Hilliard said.
“The man was known to police through a previous domestic violence incident earlier in the year and that involved the deceased woman.
“However there were no current court-imposed restrictions in relation to the individuals preventing any contact between them.”
The couple’s eldest son told Nine News the orphaned siblings were in “disbelief”.
“We are finding it difficult to accept,” he said.
“Mum took care of us children and gave all her life to every single one of us.”
Bordertown Islamic Community Centre manager Adeel Khan described Ms Husseini as a “good lady” who always helped with events.
“It is really sad news … whatever has happened is not good, it’s a massive shock,” he said.
“She was a very good cook so we used to request her and she used to cook food for our community.
“It’s a small community, everyone knows each other … so we will be missing these guys. It is going to be a tough time for their family.”
Header image: Left, Mirza Husseini. Right, Shafiqa Husseini (supplied).
