MPUMALANGA — A devastating Wakkerstroom murder investigation is underway after a 64-year-old man allegedly strangled his 18-year-old female friend to death, despite the teenager having recently secured legal protection against him. The suspect is now in police custody following a spontaneous confession at a local precinct.
According to a Police Spokesperson, the chilling sequence of events unfolded on Monday, 20 July 2026. At approximately 17:00, the 64-year-old walked into the local Community Service Centre (CSC) and admitted to officers that he had murdered the young woman at his home. He specifically confessed to killing her by means of strangulation.
Acting swiftly on his admission, detectives escorted the suspect back to his residence situated in the Hlobisa Section of Esizameleni, Wakkerstroom. A Police Spokesperson confirmed that upon entering the home, the man directed officers to a specific room. There, they discovered the 18-year-old victim’s body hidden beneath bedding.
The spokesperson further detailed the grim scene, noting that the deceased was found completely naked. The suspect had apparently draped her own clothes over the body in an attempt to conceal her face and private parts.
Following the discovery, authorities cordoned off the area and summoned all necessary stakeholders to the property. An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson confirmed that paramedics arrived promptly to respond to the scene but could only officially declare the teenager dead upon arrival.
As detectives dug deeper into the background of the case, a troubling history emerged. A Police Spokesperson stated that preliminary investigations revealed the 18-year-old had actually obtained a protection order against the 64-year-old suspect earlier in the month, indicating prior legal intervention regarding their relationship.
Following his immediate arrest at the scene, the suspect was processed for the fatal strangulation. He was scheduled to make his first appearance before the Wakkerstroom Periodical Court on 22 July 2026.
