Man murders family and sets car ablaze in South Africa

A 37-year-old man is suspected of murdering his wife, Lucia Thembisile Mahiyane, 32, and their two children, aged 7 and 4, before setting their bodies alight in a vehicle in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The discovery of the charred remains occurred early on Friday, 24 October 2025, in the Boekehouthoek area.

Police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane reported that the suspect allegedly confessed to his uncle about the killings at the Zithabiseni Bridge area. After receiving a tip-off, police located him at his grandparents' home, where he was found foaming at the mouth.

An ambulance was called, but he died at the scene, with preliminary investigations suggesting he ingested poison.

Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Mpumalanga, condemned the act, highlighting the urgent need to address domestic conflict and gender-based violence through legal and counseling channels.

The case raises further concerns about gender-based violence and family homicides in South Africa. Investigators have opened three counts of murder and an inquest docket.