Police in Mpumalanga are investigating a suspected double murder after the decomposed bodies of two women were discovered inside a house in the quiet area of KaMagugu, just outside Mbombela.
The gruesome discovery was made earlier today. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Jabu Ndubane confirmed that the bodies, found in a state of decomposition, are believed to have been in the house for more than a day.
A resident, who raised the alarm, described to reporters the circumstances that led to the grim find. He stated that his suspicions grew earlier in the morning when he noticed a swarm of flies and a foul smell emanating from a neighboring house while he was gardening with a hired helper.
He said he last saw the two victims, whom he described as good neighbors, around last Wednesday or Thursday. Growing concerned over the weekend when they did not answer repeated phone calls—their phones went straight to voicemail—he eventually alerted authorities.
According to information gathered from the scene, the victims are a 60-year-old woman and her 20-year-old niece. The younger woman was reportedly raised by her aunt and had grown up in the close-knit community. Relatives, including the mother of one of the victims, were present at the scene, visibly distraught and in shock.
Colonel Ndubane stated that police forensic teams are meticulously combing the scene for evidence and clues. The bodies have been removed by pathology services for further examination.
Neighbors and the reporting journalist described KaMagugu as an exceptionally quiet suburb where houses are built in close proximity. Residents expressed profound shock, stating they heard no suspicious sounds or witnessed any unusual activity in the area recently, making the incident all the more disturbing. Community members gathered outside the cordoned-off home, struggling to comprehend the violence in their midst.
The grieving mother of one victim was heard questioning, “Why my child? Why didn’t they take me?” While she suspects murder, police have not yet confirmed a motive or cause of death.
Colonel Ndubane is expected to provide a further update on the investigation, including whether any potential suspects have been identified. Police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.