A 49-year-old man burnt his wife with hot water and committed suicide by hanging himself when he realized she is dead

The Provincial Commissioner of South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe is appealing to the members of the community who are experiencing difficulties and challenges in their relationships to seek professional assistance in order to resolve them rather than resorting to acts of violence.

The appeal comes against the background of the gruesome discovery of a couple that was found dead at their residence in Motserereng village on Monday 10 June 2024 at about 14:00.

According to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, preliminary investigations revealed that the couple had a heated argument that led to a 49-year-old male burning his 45-year-old wife with hot water.

The victim sustained severe burn wounds on the body and succumbed to her injuries afterward.

Following the murder incident, it appears the man committed suicide after his body was found hanging in one of the rooms inside the house.

Ledwaba said the police also found a death note next to the deceased, adding that it will help in the investigation of this tragic incident.

Radebe said couples having relationship challenges should seek professional assistance “to avoid the catastrophic consequences of this nature”.