An Mpumalanga couple were murdered at their home and their attacker committed suicide, police said on Thursday.

"A security guard who worked in Johannesburg went to Mpumalanga on Wednesday to find his ex-girlfriend," said Superintendent Abie Khoabane.

He said the man waited for his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend outside their house.

"When they arrived at their front door, the man took out his gun, and told them to get inside the house. He then tied them up."

Khoabane said that the man then shot his ex-girlfriend once in the head, her boyfriend in the chest and head, and then shot himself in the head.

"When the neighbours heard the shots, they forced open the door and found all three lying on the floor. The attacker was still breathing and was rushed to hospital where he later died."

All of the deceased were in their late twenties.

Police were investigating.

Sapa