A tragic incident has shocked residents of Boekehouthoek near Kwaggafontein in Mpumalanga, South Africa, after a man allegedly killed his wife and two children before taking his own life.
According to a statement from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the charred remains of a woman and her two young children were discovered in the early hours of Friday, October 24, 2025, inside a burnt-out vehicle in the area.
Police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane identified the victims as 32-year-old Lucia Thembisile Mahiyane and her children, Bokamoso (7) and Karabo Ngele (4).
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect, aged 37, allegedly confessed to his uncle that he had killed his wife and children by setting them on fire inside their vehicle near the Zithabiseni Bridge.
Upon receiving the information, police traced the suspect to his grandparents’ home in Boekehouthoek. When officers arrived, he was reportedly found foaming at the mouth, and emergency medical services were immediately called. Unfortunately, he died at the scene, and early findings indicate that he had ingested poison shortly after the incident.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Mpumalanga, Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi, strongly condemned the act, describing it as a devastating example of domestic violence and family homicide.
“It is deeply saddening that a dispute within a family could result in such a horrific loss of life. We urge members of the public to seek help through legal and counselling channels whenever conflicts arise,” Mkhwanazi said.
Police have opened three counts of murder and an inquest docket to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
This case adds to growing national concern over gender-based violence (GBV) and domestic-related killings in South Africa a persistent issue that has claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.
Authorities have once again called on communities to report early signs of abuse, mental distress, or domestic conflict to help prevent similar tragedies.
Comments
Post a Comment