MOTHER AND SON MURDERED DURING HOUSE ROBBERY – SUSPECT UNDER POLICE GUARD IN HOSPITAL

Nelspruit: A 19-year-old suspect is currently under police guard in hospital after allegedly murdering a mother and her son during a house robbery in Barberton on 25 August 2025. The suspect was attacked by community members following the incident.According to the report, police received a complaint about a house robbery in which multiple family members had been shot. Upon arrival at the hospital, medical staff directed officers to three patients who had sustained gunshot wounds. Sadly, a 43-year-old woman and her 24-year-old son succumbed to their injuries shortly after the police arrived. The third victim, the youngest daughter, remains in hospital receiving medical treatment.Following the incident, community members reportedly attempted to take the law into their own hands by attacking the suspect and allegedly attempting to set her alight. Fortunately, police arrived in time to intervene and rescued the suspect. She is currently hospitalized and under police guard. She faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and housebreaking.No arrests have been made in connection with the mob justice incident, and investigations are ongoing.Police urge anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact Detective Captain Vusi Maphanga on 082 303 9704, or call the Crime Stop number: 08600 10111. Information can also be shared anonymously via the MYSAPS App. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has expressed concern about the increasing number of mob justice incidents reported in the province over the past two days. He strongly urges community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to allow the police to perform their duties professionally