Police in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for a 44-year-old man who allegedly stabbed his 65-year-old brother to death following an argument at the Magogeni Mhlaba Royal Kraal near Malelane.

The incident occurred on April 1, and authorities are now intensifying their search for the suspect.

According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, officers were alerted to the stabbing and arrived at the scene alongside Emergency Medical Services. Upon arrival, they found the victim, Mphondzo Mkhatshwa, lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds. He was declared dead at the scene.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that an argument broke out between the siblings, which escalated and resulted in the fatal stabbing. The suspect reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident,” said Ndubane.

A murder case has been opened at Schoemansdal Police Station. The suspect has been identified as Elvis Mkhatshwa, 44, who is now considered a key figure in the ongoing investigation.

Police have called on Mkhatshwa to come forward and urged members of the public with any information regarding his whereabouts to contact authorities.

“All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality, and callers may remain anonymous,” Ndubane added.

Expressing concern over the tragedy, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, appealed to communities to find peaceful solutions to disputes.

“We urge people to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. Lives are lost unnecessarily when situations escalate,” said Mkhwanazi.

Investigations are ongoing as police continue their efforts to locate the suspect and bring justice to the victim’s family.