Sbusiso Lawrence, a man who brazenly confessed to killing his girlfriend in a chilling social media video has been found dead by suicide near the site of the brutal crime.
The events unfolded on the morning of Wednesday, December 18, 2024, in the Malangeni area of Umzinto, where police were called to investigate the shocking murder of a 25-year-old woman.
It is reported that the victim was found lifeless on a gravel road, her body bearing multiple stab wounds, with a broken knife lying nearby.
Eyewitness reports suggest that she had been picked up by her boyfriend earlier that day, leading to a domestic dispute that spiralled into violence.
He recorded himself confessing to the murder while covered in blood, sharing both the video and a picture of the deceased on social media.
“You will say I am cruel. I tried. I worked very hard in my life trying to satisfy a woman... but she gave birth to a child that isn’t mine," he stated in his video.
Authorities later found his abandoned vehicle a short distance from where the victim's body lay, with blood evidence suggesting the crime took place inside the car.
After a swift police response and a subsequent manhunt, the suspect was ultimately found hanged in the vicinity where he had murdered his girlfriend.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that a case of murder is under-way, in addition to an inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, condemned the horrific acts of gender-based violence, calling the incident a stark reminder of the ongoing societal issues that plague South Africa.
“This shocking incident is a grim reminder of the ongoing scourge of gender-based violence in our society. Such acts of violence are a betrayal of our shared humanity and have no place in our nation. Furthermore, the use of social media to amplify such cruelty is utterly unacceptable and reflects a disregard for basic decency and the dignity of others. The act of this individual having taken his own life ends the immediate legal pursuit of justice, but it does not diminish the severity of his actions or the pain inflicted on the victim, the victim's family, friends, and community, including his own family. Families and communities need to be very much alive and alert to issues of mental health of their members; any sign or suspicion of this disease must be reported to Social Workers and other authorities without any delay. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim and reaffirm the government's commitment to intensifying efforts to create a society where women and children can live free from fear.”
He emphasised the need for heightened awareness regarding mental health issues in families and communities, urging individuals to seek help for those in distress.
Meanwhile, social media has been flooded with graphic content related to the incident. Women For Change, an advocacy group, has voiced their concerns regarding the insensitive sharing of such images. They stated, “It is deeply inappropriate and harmful to share graphic content of murdered women. This is not entertainment but the tragic reality of someone's loved one.’’
They called upon the public to treat sensitive situations with respect and dignity, urging instead to report disturbing content to protect victims' memories and their families.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za