KwaZulu-Natal man commits suicide after confessing to girlfriend’s murder

Sbusiso Lawrence confessed to killing his girlfriend in a viral video before being found dead near the crime scene.

A KwaZulu-Natal man, identified as Sbusiso Lawrence, was found hanging from a tree on Wednesday morning in Malangeni, Umzinto, shortly after confessing to murdering his girlfriend in a viral social media video.

The tragic series of events began on Tuesday evening when police discovered the body of a 25-year-old woman on a gravel road in Malangeni. According to Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), the victim’s body was found lying in the middle of the road with multiple stab wounds. A broken knife was recovered near the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Lawrence had picked up the woman, who was his girlfriend, from her home earlier that day. The couple reportedly argued, and the confrontation escalated into a fatal attack. Lawrence’s abandoned vehicle, stained with blood, was later found down the road.

Shortly after the murder, Lawrence posted a video on social media, which quickly went viral. In the recording, he appeared visibly agitated as he described the circumstances leading up to the crime. “I tried my best to make her happy. I lost everything—money, time. I even cared for a child that wasn’t mine,” he said. Lawrence also claimed the woman had recently received a Road Accident Fund (RAF) payout and left him, which he cited as a trigger for his actions.

Following the video's release, police launched an intensive manhunt. The search led to the discovery of Lawrence’s body on Wednesday morning, hanging from a tree near the crime scene. Authorities believe he died by suicide.

“This incident underscores the tragic consequences of unresolved domestic disputes,” Netshiunda said, adding that investigations into the murder and Lawrence’s death are ongoing.

The case has sparked outrage and discussions about domestic violence, with many condemning the public nature of the confession and questioning the role of social media in amplifying harmful behavior.