KZN police launch inquest after suspect linked to mass murder takes own life

Police in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have launched an inquest after a suspect linked to the mass murder of five people, including his lover, took his own life.

Last Saturday, police responded to reports of five people stabbed to death in Umzinto, on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast.

Their search for the suspect led them to his body the following day.

Preliminary reports said that the suspect, who is now also deceased, had an altercation with his partner about her attending a sermon.

It’s alleged that he stabbed her multiple times, resulting in her death.

Police suspect that he then went on a stabbing spree, killing four other people, two of whom died upon arrival at a local health facility.

Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said the suspect’s body was recovered hours later.

“The 39-year-old suspect, who was wanted for stabbing his 32-year-old partner and four other people to death at Malangeni Phase 2 in Umzinto on Saturday night, was found hanging from a tree in the bushes in Malangeni on Sunday, 7 December 2025.”

Police are still investigating the motive behind the four other brutal murders.