25-year-old man kills his mother with shovel in South Africa

Tragedy in Mahikeng – Son Kills Mother with Shovel

In a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked the community of Mosiane View village in Mahikeng, North West Province, South Africa, a 25-year-old man brutally killed his 48-year-old mother using a shovel.

The attack occurred around 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 4, 2025, and was captured on video, which has since circulated widely on social media. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from sharing the footage out of respect for the victim and her family.

According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane, the young man was described as aggressive and uncontrollable during the attack. Eyewitnesses reported that the suspect continued to assault his mother even after she was no longer responsive. In a desperate attempt to stop the violence, a neighbor intervened and shot the suspect. The man succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.

The motive behind this gruesome act remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has assigned its Occult Related Crimes Unit to the case, suggesting that authorities are exploring possible links to ritualistic practices or substance abuse.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police, Major General Patrick Asaneng, condemned the killing in the strongest terms, describing it as “sadistic, gruesome and senseless.” He further stated that such acts may be symptomatic of deeper societal issues, including satanic ritual practices or drug addiction, which often go unnoticed or unaddressed.

Major General Asaneng emphasized that there must have been warning signs in the suspect’s life leading up to this tragedy. He called for a more vigilant and compassionate society that does not ignore the struggles of young people. The SAPS has committed to a thorough investigation to uncover the underlying causes of this horrific event and to ensure justice for the victim.

This incident has reignited conversations across South Africa about mental health, substance abuse, and the role of community intervention in preventing domestic tragedies.

As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the loss of a mother whose life was taken in an act of unimaginable violence.