A devastating incident has shaken the community of Boekehouthoek in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

A 37-year-old man allegedly set his 32-year-old wife, Lucia Thembisile Mahiyane, and their two young children, 7-year-old Bokamoso and 4-year-old Karabo Ngele, on fire inside a vehicle before taking his own life by ingesting poison.

 The charred remains of the three victims were discovered in the early hours of Friday, 24 October 2025, in a burnt-out vehicle at Zithabiseni Bridge.

According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the suspect had notified his uncle of the horrific act before the police were alerted.

 The suspect's uncle contacted us, indicating that his nephew had confessed to killing his wife and children by setting them alight inside the vehicle," Ndubane said.

Upon arrival, police found the charred vehicle and three severely burned remains.

 A massive manhunt ensued, and the suspect was later found at his grandparents' home in Boekehouthoek, foaming at the mouth.

Despite attempts to save him, he was declared dead at the scene.

 The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi denouncing the act in the strongest possible terms.

"Domestic violence is a serious societal problem that must be addressed through lawful and professional channels, not through acts of violence," Mkhwanazi emphasised.

 Three counts of murder and an inquest docket have been opened, and investigations are ongoing.