Two young women are expected to appear before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court today in connection with the brutal murder of their friend and the attempted murder of her boyfriend. The shocking incident reportedly unfolded over a dispute involving just R1,000.
According to reports by Times Live, the tragic events took place on June 6, 2025, in Sakhile, Mpumalanga. The victim, identified as 35-year-old Fikile Zwane, had been walking with her boyfriend when they were suddenly confronted by two of her friends. The confrontation allegedly stemmed from accusations that Zwane had stolen R1,000 from a party they had all attended.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane provided disturbing details of the attack. He stated that the two suspects, aged 25 and 26, forcibly took Zwane and her boyfriend to a shack belonging to the boyfriend of one of the suspects. Once there, the attack turned violent.
“The suspects reportedly assaulted both victims using an electric cable cord and a shovel,” Lt-Col Ndubane explained. “They also used a knife to stab them while repeatedly demanding their money back.”
The savage beating continued until the suspects realized Zwane had lost consciousness. In a desperate attempt to save her—or perhaps to cover their crime—they transported her to a local clinic. Sadly, medical personnel at the clinic could only confirm her death upon arrival.
Meanwhile, Zwane’s boyfriend sustained serious injuries during the brutal assault. He was immediately admitted to a hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
The horrific incident has left the Sakhile community in shock, raising serious concerns about rising violence, particularly among friends and acquaintances. What began as a seemingly minor dispute escalated into a fatal confrontation, robbing a woman of her life and leaving her partner fighting for survival.
Authorities have confirmed that both suspects are now in police custody. They face charges of murder and attempted murder, and their appearance in court is expected to provide further clarity on the events leading up to this tragedy.
This case has also sparked wider conversations about violence within communities, particularly violence that stems from personal disagreements, jealousy, or disputes over money. Local residents have expressed their disbelief that such extreme actions were taken over R1,000—a relatively small amount of money—emphasizing the urgent need for conflict resolution education and better policing in vulnerable areas.
As the case proceeds through the legal system, residents of Standerton and South Africans at large are calling for justice to be served swiftly and fairly. The community also hopes that this tragedy serves as a wake-up call for addressing interpersonal violence and the underlying social issues that contribute to such heartbreaking events.
Further updates on the suspects’ court appearance and the condition of Zwane’s boyfriend are expected as the investigation continues.