SAPS COMMISSIONER URGES COMMUNITIES TO SEEK HELP AFTER SUSPECTED GBVF TRAGEDY IN KRIEL

Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise has urged communities to seek professional assistance when facing domestic and relationship-related challenges following a tragic incident in which a 44-year-old woman and her male partner were found dead at their home in Thubelihle Location, Kriel.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, with preliminary information suggesting that the couple had been experiencing domestic-related problems.

Police were alerted by a community member who reportedly heard the sound of a grinder coming from the house. After attempts to establish what was happening received no response, community members forced their way into the premises, where they discovered the woman's lifeless body on the floor.

Her partner was found dead on a couch inside the house, with a running grinder and severe injuries. A grinder believed to have been used in the incident was recovered at the scene.

Emergency Medical Services personnel declared both individuals dead.

Police have opened a murder case and an inquest docket at Kriel SAPS. Investigations are underway to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Lieutenant General Modise expressed sadness over the loss of life and called on members of the public experiencing domestic violence or relationship difficulties to seek professional help before situations escalate.

She encouraged communities to make use of support services available at public institutions and urged victims of abuse to report incidents to the police so that they can access protection through the appropriate legal channels.

“Gender-based violence and femicide remains a serious concern in our society, and we cannot afford to remain silent while people continue to lose their lives in domestic-related incidents,” said Modise.

She also called on faith-based organisations, traditional leaders and other community structures to create safe platforms where people can speak out about abuse, report violence and seek intervention when warning signs emerge.

The Provincial Commissioner further stressed that protection orders should be taken seriously and that all threats and reports of violence must be treated urgently and reported to the police.