The Alexandria community was torn in two by gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) when they had to choose whose funeral to attend.

The funeral proceedings of two lovers, Thembeka Innocentia Phanduwa (43) and her boyfriend Foster Matsane (43), took place simultaneously in Alexandria Trust in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality on Sunday, September 28.

The two met their tragic end last Tuesday, September 23, when Matsane – a police reservist attached to Hazyview Police Station – gunned down Phanduwa following an alleged argument between the couple.

The SAPS confirmed that the state-issued firearm used in the incident had been signed out by Matsane from his station on the day of the shooting.

As Matsane and Phanduwa’s families live about a kilometre apart, the deceased were laid to rest in the same burial ground. A handful of mourners showed up at the home of Phanduwa, while hundreds went to Matsane’s family for the funeral.

The Phanduwa procession was the first to arrive at the cemetery, with Matsane’s arriving while her service was in progress.

“It was tense. I am a neighbour to [Phanduwa] but I had to go and attend [Matsane’s] because he was my relative,” said a community member.

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“The incident has divided this community, especially when both victims had to be buried in the same graveyard at the same time.”

The community member asked that the publication withhold her name, saying speaking out would give their neighbours reason to hate them.

“This is a devastating and complicated situation,” she said.

Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, condemned the escalating GBVF in the Bushbuckridge area, and directed a stern warning to SAPS members:

A service pistol is not meant as a tool to resolve domestic issues, but a tool to deal with crime in our communities. We are aware that due to the nature of their work, the police are provided with tools of their trade, including guns. They sometimes end up using these guns for the wrong reasons. We call upon members to make use of the wellness programmes provided for by the state,” said Macie.

Meanwhile, another GBVF-related incident left a woman dead next to the Jan Stanley Shimati Bridge that connects Thulamahashe Township and Songeni Trust on Monday, September 29.

The victim’s boyfriend reportedly beat her to death and dumped her body near the bridge before confiding in his family. According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Fundiswa Maphanga, the murder was reported to the Mhala Police Station.

“I can confirm a murder was reported to Mhala SAPS on Monday morning at 06:20 and a docket is being registered. The deceased’s boyfriend reported the incident to his sister and directed her to the scene,” said Maphanga.

She added that police went to the suspect’s house as soon as the incident was reported, but he was not found.

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“Crime intelligence, informers and community members were activated to assist with information.”

She said the SAPS strongly condemns all forms of GBVF and appealed to couples to address challenges in their relationships through constructive dialogue or to seek professional assistance.

“Violence is not a means of resolving conflict. It is a criminal act that undermines the safety, dignity, and well-being of families and communities. The SAPS remains committed to protecting victims, supporting survivors and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Maphanga.

The name of the suspect – who is still at large – is being withheld as investigations are ongoing. Maphanga identified the victim as Consolation Sambo (29) of Rolle D.

“We understand that another woman died at the hands of her partner in the Mhala policing area. We call on the police to swiftly act on this matter in order to bring the perpetrator to book,” said Macie.