Police are investigating the North West shovel murder in Mosiane View village, Mahikeng, where a 25-year-old man allegedly killed his 48-year-old mother with a shovel. A video circulating on social media shows the attack, according to SAnews.gov.za. The man later died after a neighbour fired shots in an attempt to calm him, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said. The motive remains unknown and investigations continue.
SAPS has also brought in the Occult Related Crimes Unit to assist the inquiry.
SAPS Steps and the Road Ahead
The North West shovel murder has prompted a specialised response. North West Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng called the killing “sadistic, gruesome and senseless,” adding that investigators will fully probe the circumstances, including any possible links to occult practices or drug use, as reported by SAnews.gov.za. He said the Occult Related Crimes Unit will help determine “cause and effect” in the case.
Police urge anyone with information to come forward as detectives piece together events captured in the viral video. The investigation will consider substance use among several possible factors while SAPS works to establish a clear timeline and motive.
What SAPS Says So Far
SAPS confirmed the ongoing investigation and the involvement of the Occult Related Crimes Unit, noting the suspect died after being struck by a neighbour’s shot during the incident. The service said the motive is unknown at this stage. eNCA reported that drugs cannot be ruled out. No further official updates were available at the time of publication.
