He killed her, then himself — Police uncover grisly scene in one-room house

Polokwane – Police in Bandelierkop, Limpopo, have launched investigations into a suspected murder-suicide after the bodies of a couple were discovered in a one-room house in Maunandzhele village on Wednesday afternoon.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the gruesome discovery was made at around 16:00 after community members alerted authorities.

“The police were on duty when they received a report about two people who were found dead inside a house in the village. They immediately rushed to the scene and, upon arrival, discovered the lifeless body of a woman lying on her back on a bed in a partially decomposed state, and that of a man hanging from the roof with a rope around his neck,” said Ledwaba.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the 50-year-old woman had been in a relationship with the deceased man, a 40-year-old Zimbabwean national.

“It is suspected that the male assaulted and strangled the female before taking his own life,” Ledwaba added.

According to police, relatives of the woman last saw the couple alive on Saturday, 1 November 2025, at around 18:00. The family became concerned when they were unable to reach them and later discovered the bodies days later when they went to check on the pair.

Police have opened cases of murder and inquest while investigations continue to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, condemned the incident and urged members of the public to take action against domestic abuse.

“This tragic incident once again highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence. We urge anyone experiencing abuse to seek professional help before losing their lives,” said Major General Scheepers.

Police have encouraged community members to report any signs of domestic violence or abuse to their nearest police station or call the toll-free Crime Stop number 08600 10111.