Mapaballo Borotho
- A Mpumalanga man burned his wife and two young children alive before taking his own life.
- Police say the man confessed to his uncle before the horrific discovery of the charred vehicle.
- Authorities have condemned the killings, urging South Africans to address domestic conflict through professional help, not violence.
A 37-year-old man from Mpumalanga has reportedly killed his wife and two children before taking his own life. This was confirmed by Mpumalanga Police on Sunday, 26 October 2025.
Initial reports suggest that the bodies of 32-year-old Lucia Thembisile Mahiyane and her 7- and 4-year-old children were found at Boekehouthoek, Kwaggafontein. The incident reportedly occurred on 24 October 2025.
Spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Jabu Ndubane, says Commissioner Zeph Mkhwanazi condemns in the strongest possible terms these tragic killings.
“Police received information from the suspect’s uncle in the early hours of Friday, 24 October 2025, indicating that his nephew had notified him of having killed his wife and children by setting them alight inside a vehicle at Zithabiseni Bridge. Upon arrival at the scene, police found a charred vehicle and three severely burned remains,” said Ndubane.
Police launched a 72-hour plan to expedite the investigation while efforts to locate the suspect were underway.
“A tip-off placed the suspect at his grandparents’ home in Boekehouthoek, where police discovered him foaming at the mouth. An ambulance was summoned; however, he tragically died at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest he ingested poison,” added Ndubane.
Three counts of murder and an inquest docket have since been opened.
Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi said domestic violence must be addressed through professional support channels and not through acts of violence. He urged anyone experiencing abuse or distress to come forward to law enforcement or social-services resources.
This tragic incident has once again highlighted the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in South Africa, as well as the importance of prioritising all genders’ mental health in society.
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