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Police in the North West have launched a full investigation after a 48-year-old woman was brutally murdered, allegedly by her own son, in what officers have described as one of the most disturbing incidents in recent memory.
The attack took place on Saturday morning, 4 October 2025, in Mosiane View village near Mahikeng. A graphic video of the incident has since gone viral, sending shockwaves across South Africa and prompting widespread calls for justice.
In the video, the 25-year-old man is seen repeatedly striking his mother with a shovel, continuing even after she lay motionless on the ground. The footage, which quickly circulated on social media, has left many viewers horrified and demanding accountability from authorities.
Police have confirmed that the suspect later died after being shot by a neighbour who was reportedly trying to intervene.
Police Confirm Investigation
In a statement issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West, authorities confirmed that the murder took place around 11:00 a.m. The provincial police commissioner’s office expressed deep concern over the “sadistic, gruesome and senseless” nature of the killing.
“It is alleged that the aggressive and uncontrollable son later succumbed to his injuries after being hit by one of the shots fired by a neighbour to calm him down,” the statement read. “The motive of the incident is unknown at this stage and investigations into the matter are underway.”
Occult and Drug-Related Links Under Scrutiny
While police have not ruled out drug use as a possible factor, the case has taken an unusual turn with the involvement of the SAPS Occult Related Crimes Unit. The special unit has been brought in to determine whether the killing could have been influenced by ritualistic or occult practices.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng said the brutality of the murder raises questions about possible “demonic” influences or drug-induced psychosis.
“The sadistic, gruesome and senseless death of a mother at the hands of her son is symptomatic of the scourge of satanic ritual practices or drug addiction to which most young people are exposed,” Asaneng said. “These are issues often ignored by parents and a nonchalant, apathetic society.”
He added that investigators are focusing on uncovering the deeper cause of what he called a “heinous social fabric tragedy.”
Community in Shock
Residents of Mosiane View have described the incident as “unimaginable.” Many say they are struggling to comprehend how a young man could turn so violently against his own mother.
Neighbours say the family was well known in the area, but there had been growing concern about the suspect’s behaviour in recent months. “He had become aggressive and withdrawn,” one resident said. “Sometimes he would shout things that didn’t make sense. We didn’t think it would come to this.”
Others claim the man had been using drugs and may have suffered from mental health issues. “He was not himself,” said another neighbour. “He looked like he was fighting something inside.”
Calls for Social Awareness and Intervention
The shocking case has reignited debate over the growing social problems linked to substance abuse and mental health in South Africa’s rural communities. Local leaders say more must be done to address the underlying issues before they escalate into violence.
Community activist and youth mentor Kabelo Mothusi said the tragedy was a reflection of deeper societal neglect. “We’ve lost count of how many young men are spiralling because of drugs, unemployment, and hopelessness,” he said. “When families try to seek help, they find there are no services — no counselling, no rehab centres nearby. By the time tragedy strikes, it’s too late.”
Social Media Reaction
Online, the video of the murder has triggered outrage and sorrow in equal measure. Many users have condemned the sharing of the footage, calling it disrespectful to the victim and her family.
“This is the most disturbing thing I’ve ever seen,” one post read. “People need to stop forwarding such content. That woman deserves dignity.”
Others have demanded urgent government action to curb the rise of youth violence, drug abuse, and unverified occult practices in rural provinces. “Every few months, we hear of similar killings linked to witchcraft or demonic influences. Something is wrong in our society,” one user commented.
Police Urge Public Restraint
Authorities have appealed to the public to refrain from circulating the disturbing video, warning that sharing graphic content could hinder the ongoing investigation and traumatize the victim’s relatives.
Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane, speaking on behalf of the North West police, urged respect for the family’s privacy. “This is a deeply sensitive case. We are appealing to members of the public not to spread the video,” he said. “Let us allow the investigation to take its course.”
He added that forensic teams are examining the scene while investigators continue to gather witness statements and background information about the suspect’s mental state and possible substance use.
A Family and Village in Mourning
The woman’s relatives are said to be receiving counselling from local social workers. Community members have since gathered to light candles outside the family home, expressing grief and disbelief.
“She was a loving, kind woman,” a neighbour said. “She worked hard to raise her children. No mother deserves to die this way.”
The double tragedy — a mother’s brutal death and the son’s fatal shooting — has left an entire community shaken and searching for answers.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not released the names of either the victim or her son pending formal identification and notification of extended family members.
The SAPS Occult Related Crimes Unit is expected to release a preliminary report once it concludes its initial assessment. Authorities say they are treating the investigation with the highest priority.
As Major General Asaneng emphasized in his statement, the killing serves as a grim warning of what can happen when societal warning signs go unheeded.
“There is no way that it can be said there were no warning signs in the life of the suspect,” he said. “We cannot ignore what is happening among our youth. This tragedy must be a wake-up call for all of us.”
The case has not only exposed a chilling act of violence but also forced South Africans to confront uncomfortable truths about drugs, mental health, and the dark undercurrents that continue to plague communities across the nation.
