Tragedy has struck Makatu village in the Siloam policing area, Limpopo, after a 48-year-old man allegedly stabbed his girlfriend to death and seriously wounded her 16-year-old daughter.
According to police reports, the brutal incident occurred late on Tuesday night following an apparent domestic dispute between the suspect and the woman. The confrontation is believed to have escalated violently, resulting in the suspect fatally stabbing his 45-year-old girlfriend multiple times.
When the woman’s teenage daughter tried to intervene, the man reportedly turned on her and stabbed her as well before fleeing the scene. Neighbours, alerted by screams, rushed to the house and immediately contacted authorities.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the suspect was later arrested in the same village after an intensive manhunt. “The suspect attempted to evade arrest by hiding in nearby bushes, but community members spotted him and alerted the police. He was taken into custody without further incident,” said Ledwaba.
The injured teenager was rushed to a nearby hospital where she is receiving treatment for her wounds and remains in stable condition.
Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, strongly condemned the act, describing it as “a shocking incident of gender-based violence that has left yet another family torn apart.”
The suspect is expected to appear in the Siloam Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges of murder and attempted murder.
Police have urged community members experiencing domestic issues to seek help rather than resorting to violence.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre at 0800 428 428 for immediate assistance.