By Staff Reporter
QWAQWA – The family of Mathapelo Miya (53) is battling to comprehend the brutal killing that claimed her life and that of another woman, allegedly at the hands of a jealous husband in a shocking love-triangle shooting.
Miya was fatally shot at her home in Kestell, Free State, on Sunday, 28 December, in an incident that also left her 20-year-old son critically injured and fighting for his life in hospital.
According to information before police, the accused, Zitha Radebe, arrived at the Miya homestead with his wife. He allegedly called Mathapelo and her son—who was known to him—into a shack under the pretext that he wanted to talk.
An argument reportedly erupted, moments before gunfire rang out.
Miya was shot dead in front of her son. The accused’s wife was also killed during the violent outburst.
Speaking through tears in an interview on Tuesday, 30 December, Miya’s husband, Shenyana “Madala” Stemmer Miya, said the events of that day still haunt him.
“I had stepped out briefly to buy a cigarette. While I was away, a neighbour asked me to bring him beer, but I refused because I don’t drink this time of year,” he said.
“Later, a young boy came running to me saying I must rush home. When I arrived, I found the body of a woman I later learnt was the accused’s wife. My wife was lying in a pool of blood, and my elder son was badly injured.”
Stemmer said the family remains shattered and traumatized by the senseless killings.
“Our lives have been destroyed. We are struggling to accept that she is gone in such a cruel way,” he said.
Miya’s daughter, Portia Miya, described the pain as unbearable.
“My heart is bleeding. I was robbed of my mother in the most brutal manner,” she said.
“What hurts even more is that we knew the accused. I won’t wish him bad, but God knows the punishment he deserves. We have no mother today because of his hands.”
Adding to the family’s distress, Miya’s brother-in-law, Majalefa Miya, said he had tried to warn them after experiencing a disturbing dream the day before the shooting.
“I dreamt my life was threatened with guns. The dream came twice, in different ways. The second time I was being attacked with a knife,” he said.
“That’s why I felt I had to warn them.”
A family member, who asked not to be named, told Daily Sun that the killings were allegedly sparked by a long-running love affair.
“The accused’s wife was allegedly involved in a romantic relationship with Miya’s son. The issue had been ongoing with no resolution,” the source said.
“The accused reportedly went to QwaQwa to fetch his wife, where an argument broke out and a relative was shot and injured. He then travelled with her to Kestell, where Miya and his wife were killed, and Miya’s son was critically wounded.”
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring confirmed that two women died in the shooting.
“The suspect allegedly produced an illegal firearm and fatally shot both women at the scene. A man was also shot and is currently hospitalised,” said Mophiring.
“The suspect has been arrested and charged with double murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.”
Radebe appeared briefly in the Kestell Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 29 December. The case has been postponed to 12 January 2026.
