A fatal incident occurred in Hlatikulu, Eswatini, on Thursday night, when a woman, Njabulo Khumalo, 42, was allegedly stabbed to death by her former lover, Steve Phumlani Mtsetfwa, 37. According to sources, the two had a six-year-old daughter and had previously been in a troubled relationship that Khumalo had ended. Mtsetfwa had reportedly been arrested previously in connection with Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) cases involving Khumalo.
The incident occurred when Mtsetfwa encountered Khumalo near her home in New Town, Hlatikulu. An altercation broke out between the former lovers, and Mtsetfwa allegedly dragged Khumalo to a secluded area, where he assaulted and stabbed her. A woman who tried to intervene was also allegedly stabbed on her face. Khumalo's body was discovered on Friday morning with almost 13 stab wounds.
After the murder, Mtsetfwa went into hiding at his mother's parental homestead in Mbowane, over 20 kilometers from his home in Emahlasheni. Police detectives, including officers from the Lukhozi unit in the Shiselweni region, were involved in the search for Mtsetfwa. He was eventually found at his mother's homestead, where he resisted arrest and threatened police officers with bush knives.
When police attempted to apprehend Mtsetfwa, he allegedly tried to flee and was shot. He was rushed to Hlatikulu Government Hospital but succumbed to his injuries due to excessive bleeding. Police Information and Communication Officer (PICO) Senior Superintendent Phindile Zwane confirmed the incidents, stating that Mtsetfwa was wanted in connection with Khumalo's murder.
According to Zwane, Mtsetfwa was tracked down to his mother's homestead, where he armed himself with dangerous weapons and resisted arrest. When police tried to effect the arrest, Mtsetfwa attempted to flee and was then shot. Zwane's statement corroborated reports that Mtsetfwa had a history of violence against Khumalo, having been arrested previously for SODV cases.
The incident has raised concerns about domestic violence in Eswatini, with many questioning how such incidents continue to occur despite efforts to curb them. The police have urged anyone with information about potential domestic violence incidents to come forward and report them to the authorities.
The family of Khumalo and Mtsetfwa have not publicly commented on the incident. However, sources close to the family have expressed shock and sadness over the tragic events that unfolded. The police are continuing with their investigations into the incident.
Key points
- The suspect, Steve Phumlani Mtsetfwa, had a history of violence against the victim, Njabulo Khumalo, having been arrested previously for SODV cases.
- The incident has raised concerns about domestic violence in Eswatini.
- Mtsetfwa was shot dead by police while resisting arrest at his mother's parental homestead in Mbowane.
