Mpumalanga Man Allegedly Kills Wife And Children Before Setting Them Alight

Police in Mpumalanga are investigating a horrific case of domestic violence after a man allegedly murdered his wife and two young children before setting them alight inside a vehicle at Boekehouthoek, Kwaggafontein, on Friday.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane confirmed the incident, identifying the victims as Lucia Thembisile Mashiyane (32) and her two children, Bokamoso (7) and Karabo Ngele (4).

Man Confessed to Killing His Family

According to Ndubane, police were alerted in the early hours of Friday after the suspect’s uncle contacted them, saying his nephew had confessed to killing his family and setting them alight at Zithabiseni Bridge.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a charred vehicle containing the severely burned remains of the mother and her two children.

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A 72-hour activation plan was immediately launched to expedite the investigation and locate the suspect, aged 37. Later that morning, acting on a tip-off, police found the man at his grandparents’ home in Boekehouthoek, where he was discovered foaming at the mouth.

Paramedics were called, but he was declared dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that he ingested poison.

Police have opened three counts of murder and an inquest docket to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Police Condemn Brutal Domestic Killings

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the killings in the strongest terms, describing the tragedy as both disturbing and avoidable.

“We are deeply saddened and angered by this brutal act. Domestic violence is a serious societal problem that must be addressed through lawful and professional channels — not through acts of violence,” said Mkhwanazi.

He urged community members to seek help when facing family or relationship difficulties.

“We appeal to anyone experiencing abuse, anger, or distress to reach out to law enforcement or social services for help. No situation should ever end in such tragedy,” he added.

Police investigations continue.

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