SCHOEMANSDAL, MPUMALANGA — A 41-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of the mother of his two children, following a violent domestic dispute in Schoemansdal, Mpumalanga.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the tragic incident occurred on the morning of Monday, May 12. The suspect and the 31-year-old woman were allegedly involved in a heated argument which escalated to fatal violence.
“It is alleged that during the dispute, the suspect attacked the victim with an axe, resulting in fatal injuries,” said Ndubane in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Preliminary investigations confirmed that the victim and the suspect were in a domestic relationship and shared two children. Following the attack, the suspect allegedly abandoned the victim’s body in the street and fled the scene.
Emergency services and police responded swiftly after being alerted by members of the community. A rapid investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, who is expected to appear in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court—formerly known as the Tonga Magistrate’s Court—on Wednesday. He will face a charge of murder.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and grief, reigniting national conversations about gender-based violence and the safety of women in intimate relationships.
Acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the killing in the strongest terms, calling it “an inhumane act that has left children without their mother and a community in mourning.”
“We urge anyone experiencing challenges in their relationships or domestic situations to seek help. Violence is never the answer,” said Mkhwanazi. “Gender-based violence and femicide continue to be among the most serious threats to the well-being and safety of women and children in South Africa.”
Authorities have confirmed that psychosocial support services are being arranged for the victim’s children and family. Social workers have been deployed to provide necessary care and counselling in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The case is being closely monitored as the province and the nation call for justice and urgent action to address the ongoing scourge of domestic violence.