BETHAL, Mpumalanga — Growing concern has gripped the community over a disturbing spate of murders in Bethal, Mpumalanga, following the brutal killings of two individuals whose bodies were found dumped in the veld. The recent deaths of 46-year-old Thembi Lukhele and 42-year-old Bongani Mlambo have reignited urgent conversations about the safety of women and the LGBTQ+ community in the region.
Lukhele was stabbed multiple times and succumbed to her injuries before her body was discovered in a nearby field. Family members and community advocates describe her as having been murdered in cold blood, leaving behind four grieving children. Local authorities and community leaders are pleading with law enforcement to curb the scourge of gender-based violence, with Lukhele’s intimate partner currently suspected of being responsible for her death.
Josephine Matebe, a witness who was with the couple the previous night, recounted receiving a call from the partner the following day informing her that Lukhele had been killed. When Matebe questioned how the incident occurred, the partner allegedly claimed ignorance, stating he only found her already stabbed and was able to identify her solely by her hat.
The community’s distress was further compounded by the killing of Mlambo just a week prior. The 42-year-old, who was a member of the LGBTQ+ community, was allegedly kidnapped and beaten to death before his body was also found dumped in the veld. Community members expressed profound anguish over the discoveries, noting that the victims were “killed like animals” and left helpless in the fields, demanding that justice take its course.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that suspects connected to both incidents have been arrested. In a developing twist, a male friend arrested in connection with Mlambo’s death subsequently died in police custody under unexplained circumstances. An IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) spokesperson confirmed that the watchdog is actively investigating the custodial death.
Meanwhile, a police spokesperson noted that another suspect was arrested in connection with Mlambo’s murder, has already appeared in court, and that the case is now proceeding through the judicial system.
In light of these tragedies, law enforcement is appealing to the public to seek formal assistance or mediation to resolve interpersonal conflicts before they escalate into violence. However, residents are pushing back, calling for greater protection, proactive intervention, and highly visible policing to prevent further bloodshed in Bethal.
