By Staff Reporter
KWAGGAFONTEIN – A horrific tragedy has shocked the community of Boukehouthoek near Kwaggafontein after a man allegedly burned his wife and two young children to ashes by setting their car alight in the early hours of Friday, 24 October 2025.
The victims have been identified as Lucia Thembisile Mashiyane (32) and her children, Bokamoso (7) and Karabo Ngele (4). Their charred remains were discovered inside a burnt vehicle near Zithabiseni Bridge.
According to police reports, officers were alerted by the suspect’s uncle, who informed them that his nephew had confessed to killing his wife and children by setting them alight.
Upon arrival at the scene, police found a completely burned-out vehicle and three severely charred bodies inside. A 72-hour activation plan was immediately launched to investigate the murders and trace the suspect, aged 37.
A tip-off led police to the suspect’s grandparents’ home in Boukehouthoek, where they found him foaming at the mouth. An ambulance was called, but he was declared dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that he ingested poison shortly before his death.
Police have opened three counts of murder and an inquest docket as investigations continue.
The Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has condemned the brutal killings in the strongest terms, describing the incident as deeply disturbing and a painful reminder of the ongoing scourge of domestic violence in the province.
Photos: Supplied
