Key Points
- A woman was murdered after demanding the return of her stolen goat.
- The suspect buried her in a shallow grave and misled her family with fake texts.
- Police arrested him and charged him with multiple offenses, including murder.
DIRKIESDORP, South Africa — Police have arrested a 41-year-old man who allegedly murdered a 46-year-old woman in Dirkiesdorp, Mpumalanga. The woman reportedly went to confront him over a stolen goat.
Goat Sold Illegally Sparks Fatal Confrontation
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lt. Col. Jabu Ndubane, a herdsman sold the woman’s goat to the suspect on Friday, May 2, 2025. She returned home and confronted the herdsman. He admitted to selling the animal without her permission.
The next morning, on May 3 at about 6 a.m., she went to the suspect’s residence. She planned to demand the return of her goat. However, she never returned home.
Police Launch Investigation and Make Arrest
On Sunday, May 4, the woman’s family reported her missing. Police immediately opened an investigation and began searching for her. Their search led them to the suspect’s property.
Officers arrested the 41-year-old man on Wednesday, May 7.
Ndubane said investigators believe the suspect intercepted the woman before she reached his home. He allegedly killed her and then buried her in a shallow grave.
Suspect Sends Fake Texts to Mislead Family
After the murder, the suspect reportedly used the woman’s cellphone to send fake messages to her family. He claimed she had received R2,000 and was traveling to Swaziland. This message aimed to mislead them into thinking she had accepted the goat’s loss.
Moreover, police discovered that he had burned her cellphone to destroy evidence.
Body Recovered and Charges Filed
During questioning, the suspect confessed and pointed out the location of the shallow grave. Police recovered the woman’s body there.
Authorities have charged him with murder, robbery, and defeating the ends of justice. They may file additional charges as the investigation continues.
The suspect appeared in Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The Dirkiesdorp goat murder case has shocked the local community. It has also drawn national attention because of its brutality and the deception involved.
Officials Condemn Gender-Based Violence
Acting provincial police commissioner Maj. Gen. Zeph Mkhwanazi expressed deep disappointment and outrage.
“This heartbreaking incident highlights the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in our communities,” Mkhwanazi said. “We must act urgently to protect women and children from senseless brutality.”
