LIMPOPO — A 28-year-old suspect is in custody following a swift Tubatse murder arrest after allegedly fatally stabbing his 25-year-old ex-girlfriend in a brutal domestic violence attack. The incident, which occurred at rental rooms next to a local crèche in Mashamothane B1, has prompted strong condemnation from provincial police leadership and highlights the severe consequences of violating active protection orders.
Police officers on sector patrol received a dispatch at approximately 04:22 from the Community Service Centre (CSC) regarding a severe assault. Upon arriving at the Mashamothane B1 address, officers encountered Emergency Medical Services personnel from Dilokong. Inside the room, first responders and police discovered the lifeless body of the 25-year-old woman, who had sustained multiple fatal stab wounds to various parts of her body.
The victim’s sister, who was inside the room during the attack, provided a harrowing account to investigators. She reported hearing a dog bark outside, which was shortly followed by the distinct voice of the victim’s ex-boyfriend. Before she could react, the suspect allegedly forced the door open and entered the premises. Fearing for her own safety, the sister fled outside, screaming for help. A neighboring tenant, who recognized her voice, responded to the cries. When they returned to the room, they found the victim lying in a pool of blood; the suspect had already fled the scene.
Investigators later uncovered a chilling detail regarding the couple’s history. The deceased had previously secured a protection order against the suspect under the Domestic Violence Act (DVA), which legally prohibited him from entering her residence or communicating with her in any capacity.
Following the scene processing by the local criminal record centre and Forensic Pathology Services, the Tubatse Tracing Team, alongside standby members, operationalized the gathered intelligence. Their intensive tracking efforts led them to Lebowakgomo, where the suspect was successfully apprehended. During the arrest, authorities recovered and seized the alleged murder weapon as evidence.
The accused now faces severe charges, including murder, possession of a dangerous weapon, and contravention of the Domestic Violence Act. He is scheduled to appear before the Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court in the near future.
Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, publicly commended the Tubatse tracking team for their decisive actions. Scheepers praised the officers for their swift response to the emergency call, their relentless pursuit of the suspect, and their urgent efforts to bring the accused before the court to answer for the heinous act of violence he is accused of committing.
Police investigations into the matter remain ongoing.
