A deep sense of sorrow and disbelief filled Mathibastad Village in Mahikeng, North West, on Sunday, 12 October, as a mother and her son were laid to rest side by side. The funeral followed a devastating and heartbreaking tragedy that shook the quiet rural community to its core.
The 25-year-old son, Morgan Nchwi, allegedly killed his 48-year-old mother, Ntebogeng Nchwi, in a shocking act of violence that left neighbours and relatives reeling. According to reports, the incident occurred after a heated argument over money spiraled out of control, leading Morgan to attack his mother with a shovel.
Witnesses described the scene as horrifying. A neighbour, upon realizing what was happening, tried to intervene to stop the assault. In the struggle to protect the mother, the neighbour fatally shot Morgan, bringing the brutal episode to an end. Both mother and son died on the same day — a tragedy that has since left the entire community mourning and searching for answers.
Relatives who attended the funeral said it was one of the most painful goodbyes they had ever experienced. “It’s hard to believe that they are both gone — and in such a cruel way,” one family member said tearfully. The two were known to share a close bond and were often seen working together in their home garden.
Neighbours echoed similar sentiments, describing Morgan and Ntebogeng as quiet and friendly people who rarely fought. “They were always together. We never thought something like this could happen between them,” said a neighbour, still shaken by the event.
Although the motive behind the murder remains under investigation, drug abuse has not been ruled out as a possible contributing factor. Some community members suspect that substance abuse may have played a role in the son’s violent outburst, pointing to a growing problem affecting many young people in the area.
During the emotional funeral service, local leaders and church members urged the community to come together in support of the grieving family and to take a stand against drug use and domestic violence. “This tragedy is a painful reminder of how quickly anger, addiction, and despair can destroy lives and families,” said one pastor. “We must talk to our children, listen to them, and guide them before it’s too late.”
As the coffins of Ntebogeng and Morgan were lowered into the ground side by side, mourners wept openly — a haunting symbol of love, loss, and tragedy intertwined. The silence that followed was heavy, as friends and family grappled with the reality that what was once a close and loving relationship had ended in unthinkable heartbreak.
May their souls rest in peace. 🕊️
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