By Kopano Dibakwane
The death of three people in two separate alleged domestic violence incidents in Siyabuswa and Elukwatini has been noted with concern by Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Apaphia Modise.
The first incident reportedly occurred on Saturday 4 October 2026 in Siyabuswa whereby a 44-year-old male was found in a pool of blood.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Mavela Masondo, said the victim sustained a stab wound on the upper body.
“It is alleged that he had an argument with his 40-year-old wife, who then stabbed him with a sharp object. He was declared dead on the scene. The female suspect was arrested and appeared at the Siyabuswa Magistrate’s Court on 06 October 2026,” said Col Masondo.
Another incident was reported on the same day at No.4 in Nhlazatshe whereby a police Constable attached to the Middleburg POP(Public Order Policing) was found dead alongside his female companion following an alleged shooting.
According to Col Masondo, the police in Elukwatini arrived on the scene and found a female sitting in a blue Ford Fiesta, with blood on her upper body, and a male lying on the ground in a pool of blood.
“Both showed no signs of life and were declared dead by Emergency Medical Services. Preliminary investigation suggests that the Constable allegedly shot and killed the female friend before turning the firearm on himself. Police recovered a service pistol and a magazine with some live rounds, next to the deceased,” said Col Masondo.
Responding to the two incidents, Lieutenant General Modise said domestic violence has no place in society, and she expressed shock about the incident involving a member of the SAPS(South African Police Service), stating that police officers are supposed to uphold the law and protect lives, and not perpetuate violence.
“We are deeply saddened and disturbed by these two tragic incidents where intimate partner violence claimed lives. Domestic violence, in whatever form, is unacceptable and we continue to plead with partners to seek professional help from Social Workers and other professionals whenever they come across difficulties before matters escalate to undesirable levels.
“Within the SAPS, there is Employee Health and Wellness. No argument should ever lead to loss of life. As the SAPS, we continue to prioritise Gender-Based Violence and Femicide cases, ” said Lt-Gen Modise.
The was reportedly referred to the IPID(Independent Police Investigative Directorate) for further investigation.
