A murder-suicide in Bushbuckridge has left the community of Shatale in shock after a woman was shot dead by her partner, who later took his own life.
Man kills himself after murdering girlfriend in Shatale
The incident, which police are treating as gender-based violence (GBV), unfolded over three days, ending in tragedy on Sunday, 6 July 2025.
According to police reports, the 45-year-old victim, Sasiki Mgwambe, was attacked on Thursday afternoon, 3 July 2025, just as she arrived at her home in Shatale.
She had been followed by a man known to her, aged 47, who was driving a white Toyota Hilux. As she was about to enter her yard, the man allegedly approached her with a firearm and shot her at close range.
After shooting her, the suspect reportedly placed Mgwambe’s body in his vehicle and drove away from the scene. Police were alerted soon after and launched a search operation.
They tracked the vehicle to a property in Shangaanhill, where they found the car parked in a garage.
Mgwambe was discovered in the back seat, and paramedics confirmed she had died from her injuries.
Efforts to locate the suspect intensified following the discovery of the woman’s body. However, on Sunday morning, the man’s family contacted authorities to report that he had been found dead at his residence.
Police arrived at the scene and confirmed that the man had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. A firearm was found next to his body, and an inquest into his death has been opened.
The police have confirmed that a murder investigation is ongoing and have appealed to anyone with additional information to come forward.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the incident and the ongoing acts of violence targeting women.
“We urge community members to seek help from professionals when facing personal or relationship problems,” he said. “Violence should never be an option.”
The incident has reignited concerns about GBV in South Africa, where intimate partner violence remains a major issue. Authorities continue to encourage individuals to report any signs of abuse early, to prevent such tragic outcomes.
PLEASE NOTE: If you or someone you know needs help or someone to talk to, please reach out to one of the following helplines. The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) offers a 24/7 toll-free helpline at 0800 428 428 and an SMS option by dialling *120*7867#. The National Crisis Helpline (Lifeline South Africa) provides counselling and support at 0861 322 322. In cases of immediate danger, you can contact the South African Police Service (SAPS) by calling 10111. For children experiencing or witnessing abuse, Childline South Africa is available toll-free at 0800 055 555. Survivors of sexual abuse and gender-based violence can also contact the Tears Foundation by calling 010 590 5920 or sending an SMS with the word “HELP” to 35858. Remember, you are not alone, and support is always available to help you through difficult times.