A 37-year-old woman was discovered dead in her home in Holneck, near Nhlangano, early Sunday morning, in what police believe to be a case of domestic violence. The suspect, her longtime boyfriend, later turned himself in at Nhlangano Police Station.
According to a report by the Eswatini Observer, the deceased, Jabu Matsebula, was allegedly killed by her partner, Sizwe Msane, who led police to the house where her body was found. Investigators believe she may have been suffocated while sleeping, as her body showed bruising around the nose and mouth.
The circumstances leading to her death remain unclear, but sources claim Msane went to a local bar shortly after the incident and told friends he had ended Matsebula’s life. The two had been in a long-term relationship and Msane was well-known to her family, who even referred to him as a “brother.”
Matsebula, described as a hard-working woman, was the breadwinner of her household. Both of her parents had died, leaving her responsible for her siblings and five children.
Her daughter, Thando Zwane, recalled the shocking moment when police showed up around 2 a.m. “They came with the keys and asked to be shown my mother’s house. I didn’t understand why—she was such a good person. I never imagined she was already dead inside,” she said.
Her younger sister, Gabisile Matsebula, wept as she spoke about the loss. “She took care of everyone. We’ve lost our pillar. We’re now left with so many unanswered questions and a heavy burden,” she said.
Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, the police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspect had been charged with murder.
The Holneck community has been shaken by the incident. Outraged residents gathered at the Matsebula home after hearing the news, expressing anger and grief. Some threatened to confront the suspect at the police station.
“He saved himself by going to the police,” said one resident. “Otherwise, we would have found him ourselves.”
Bhekani Phakathi, the chief’s runner in the area, said such killings were becoming far too common. “We need to take a stand. It’s as though laws don’t apply anymore. This cannot continue.”
Anyone wishing to support the Matsebula family can reach out to Gabisile at 7640 7698.
