The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga is investigating two unrelated but equally disturbing murder cases involving female victims, one in Kinross and another in Bushbuckridge. Both incidents occurred on 23 May 2025 and have sparked public concern over the increasing violence against women and children in the province.

Kinross Incident

In Kinross, police were alerted to a gruesome scene at Extension 21. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of a 34-year-old woman lying in a pool of blood, with visible blood stains on the walls. The victim had sustained a stab wound to the chest and visible head injuries, believed to have been caused by bricks.

She was certified dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Services. A clinic card found nearby confirmed that the woman was six months pregnant.

Police are seeking Mr. Sifiso Khumalo, who resides in the Marikana informal settlement in Kinross, as they believe he may assist in the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information that can help locate him is urged to contact Investigating Officer Constable Joana Tau on 072 781 0131, or report anonymously through Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MYSAPS APP.

Bushbuckridge Incident

Meanwhile, in Bushbuckridge, police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder after a 37-year-old woman was shot and killed in her home in the early hours of the morning. Her 14-year-old son sustained a gunshot wound to the ear.

The incident took place at Health Centre Trust near Maviljan Clinic. Upon arrival, police found neighbors and the victim’s two children outside the house. Inside, the woman was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound to the face, and her head positioned between her legs.

A preliminary interview with the 14-year-old boy revealed that two armed men broke a window to gain entry into the house. They demanded money from the mother, a struggle ensued, and she was subsequently shot. The suspects fled with two mobile phones, an iPhone 15 Pro Max and a light blue Honor X5+, which were later recovered, abandoned on the street.

All role players attended the scene, and Emergency Medical Services certified the woman dead.

No arrests have been made in either case, and the suspects remain at large. Investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Investigating Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mnisi on 079 891 4807, or report anonymously via Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated confidentially, and callers may choose to remain anonymous.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, strongly condemned the violent crimes and assured the public that both cases are receiving urgent attention. “We are deeply saddened by these heinous acts, especially against vulnerable women, including a pregnant victim. We will not rest until justice is served. We call on anyone with information to come forward and assist police in bringing the perpetrators to book,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.