CRIME SCENE: Kriel, Mpumalanga: The South African Police Service (SAPS) have opened a murder case and an inquest following a horrific discovery of a deceased couple inside a shack.

It is believed that the man killed his partner with a grinder before turning the power tool on himself.

The Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, has urged members of the public to seek professional help following this and other incidents of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the province. 

According to information, the police were alerted by a community member who reported hearing the sound of a grinder coming from a house in Thubelihle Location, Kriel on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.

SAPS said community members tried to establish what was happening but without any response. They subsequently forced their way into the premises and discovered the lifeless body of the 44-year-old woman lying on the floor.

“Her partner, an adult male, was also found deceased inside the house, seated on a couch with a running grinder. He had sustained severe injuries. The grinder is believed to have been used in the incident.

“Investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, but preliminary information suggests that the couple had experienced domestic problems,” said SAPS.

Modise has expressed sadness over the loss of life and further encouraged members of the public to make use of services that are accessible and freely available at public institutions.

“Gender-based violence and femicide remain a serious concern in our society, and we cannot afford to remain silent while people continue to lose their lives in domestic-related incidents.
“Faith-based organisations, traditional leaders and community leaders are urged to assist in creating a conducive environment and platform for communities to express themselves, report abuse and seek intervention when signs of violence are noticed. 

“A protection order should never be taken lightly and reports of threats or violence must be treated with urgency and reported to the police, ” said the General.