LOMAHASHA – Police in Lomahasha are investigating a tragic suspected murder-suicide after a father allegedly killed his two children before taking his own life at Matfuntini, Enjungwini, on Monday.
According to a police report, the bodies of an 11-year-old boy and his eight-year-old sister were discovered lying beneath a tree in a veld area at about 3pm on June 1, 2026. The two children, who were siblings, reportedly had small ropes tied around their necks.
A short distance away, the body of their 44-year-old father was found hanging from a tree. Police believe he was responsible for the children’s deaths.
“Their 44-year-old father, who is believed to be responsible for their deaths, was found hanging from a tree a few feet away from them. Information available indicates that the deaths are a result of a domestic violence situation,” reads part of the police report.
Preliminary information suggests that the deceased man had a history of abusing both the children’s mother and the children themselves. In an effort to protect them, the mother reportedly took the children to stay with relatives.
However, the suspect allegedly tracked them down and forcibly took the children to the Vuvulane area, where they remained for several days and missed school.
Family members are said to have engaged the father extensively over the phone and eventually persuaded him to return with the children to Matfuntini.
According to information gathered by police, the family woke up on Monday morning intending to prepare the children for school, only to discover that the father and the two children were missing.
The situation took a tragic turn later that afternoon when a neighbour noticed what appeared to be a person standing motionless under a tree in the veld for an unusually long period.
Upon closer inspection, the neighbour discovered that the man was hanging from the tree. The bodies of the two children were subsequently found lying dead a few metres away.
Police have since opened investigations into the matter, while the deaths have sent shockwaves through the community.
Authorities have urged members of the public experiencing domestic violence or family-related disputes to seek assistance before situations escalate into tragedy
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