- Two women, aged 64 and 20, were found murdered inside a locked house in KaMagugu, with no signs of forced entry.
- One victim was found with her hands tied and a cable around her neck, while police suspect robbery, as some items may be missing.
- SAPS has activated a 72-hour plan and is urging the public to assist in tracing the perpetrator or perpetrators.
Police in Nelspruit have launched a manhunt for suspects following the discovery of two female lifeless bodies at KaMagugu, outside Mbombela, on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at approximately 4.30pm.
According to a police report, neighbours in the area became concerned after noticing an unfamiliar smell coming from a house in their neighbourhood, as well as flies in and around the property. Further concern was raised when they were unable to contact the occupants by phone. The matter was subsequently reported to the police.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said that upon arrival, officers were shown the house, which was locked, and there were no signs of a break-in. Mbombela Disaster Management was summoned to assist in unlocking the door. Once inside, police found that the house appeared to have been ransacked, and it was during this process that two lifeless bodies were discovered.
Victims identified as investigation intensifies
One of the victims was identified by her family as 64-year-old Eunice Mahlodi. Her body was found half-naked. The second victim was identified as 20-year-old Eugenia Dineo Masuku. Masuku’s body was found half-naked in her bedroom, with both her hands tied with cables.
“It is suspected that she could have been strangled as a cable was found around her neck. There were also blood stains noticed in the bedroom,” Ndubane said.
Ndubane added that police suspect some items, including cell phones, may have been stolen from the house. Emergency Services personnel who attended the scene certified both victims dead, and police noted that the bodies were already at an early stage of decomposition.
A case of murder with two counts has been opened. Ndubane confirmed that a team of experts in the investigation field has been deployed under the leadership of Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, to probe the incident. “A 72-hour plan has been activated with all role players involved,” Ndubane said.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. Police are appealing to the public for information that could assist in apprehending the perpetrator or perpetrators. If you have any information, contact Detective Sergeant Debra Matukane on 076 354 9612, call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or submit information via the MySapsApp. All information received will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
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