A devastating family tragedy unfolded in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday afternoon, November 25, 2025, when a 43-year-old man brutally murdered his elderly parents before attempting to take his own life.
Horrific Discovery in Thafamasi Area
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) received an urgent call for assistance at 13:26 from a local councillor who reported that an elderly couple had been murdered in their home hours earlier. According to the initial report, the suspect had prevented neighbors from providing assistance by standing at the door armed with a knife.
Reaction officers and paramedics were immediately dispatched to the Thafamasi Area in Ndwedwe, approximately 33 kilometers from the RUSA Headquarters. Their mission was to provide urgent medical assistance to save the couple who were reportedly bleeding profusely.
Gruesome Scene in Rondavel
Upon arrival, reaction officers coordinated with police officers from Ndwedwe SAPS to locate the specific home. When they finally accessed the scene, they made a heartbreaking discovery.
Inside a rondavel, both occupants were found lying in a pool of blood. Paramedics declared Phumzile Rachel Ngcobo (74) and Mziwamandla Ngcobo (79) deceased at the scene. The investigation revealed that the elderly couple had suffered multiple stab wounds and their faces had been bludgeoned.
Authorities recovered the murder weapons at the scene, including a knife and logs or firewood that had been used in the brutal attack.
Suspect Arrest and Medical Treatment
The 43-year-old son was arrested at the scene before officers entered the rondavel. He had sustained self-inflicted stab wounds during his suicide attempt and required immediate medical attention.
Emergency personnel restrained the suspect and provided treatment for his injuries. While the motive remains unclear, authorities noted that it could not be confirmed whether the suspect suffers from mental health issues.
This tragic incident has left the Ndwedwe community in shock, raising concerns about family violence and mental health support systems in the region.
