South African police in Leslie, Mpumalanga, are investigating the death of a 45-year-old man who allegedly took his own life after being accused of raping his stepdaughter, according to Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Province.
The allegations stem from incidents that reportedly began in 2017, when the victim, then 17, was allegedly sexually abused by the man. The victim, now 25, disclosed the abuse to her biological mother in 2024. “Deeply disturbed by the revelations, the mother chose to separate from the suspect but did not report the matter to the police at the time,” Ndubane said.
Tensions escalated in 2025 when the suspect allegedly began harassing both the mother and daughter at their residence. This prompted them to file a rape case with the police. Before an arrest could be made, the suspect reportedly contacted a relative on Thursday, June 12, 2025, stating he had ingested poison because of the rape case. “Emergency services and police responded to the call, but the man was declared dead at the scene,” Ndubane confirmed.
An inquest into the man’s death is underway, with investigations continuing.
Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, condemned the alleged abuse and praised the victim’s bravery. “We commend the victim for her courage in coming forward. Sexual abuse has no place in our society. We urge anyone who is a victim or witness to such crimes to seek help and report the matter without delay,” Mkhwanazi said.
