Western Cape police officer

Photo: Stock/ Canva

North West: Police arrest MURDER suspect trying to flee

The suspect is said to have stabbed a man after returning home with him and his girfriend from the local tavern in Mogwase

Western Cape police officer

Photo: Stock/ Canva

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West says it has arrested a 27-year-old man, who is a suspect in a murder case that is currently under investigation.

Police in the province say the man, his girlfriend and the murder victim had been at a local tavern in Mogwase where they were partying up a storm on Thursday night until the early hours of Friday morning, 17 December 2021. They then left the tavern and went to the suspect’s home where things went horribly wrong after he got into a fight with the victim.

According to SAPS, the suspect then grabbed a knife and stabbed the victim before making a run for it with his girlfriend.

“The victim was seen by a passer-by who informed his sister and called the police. He (victim) was subsequently transported to a local hospital where he was certified dead. Following an intensive search, the suspect and his girlfriend were found trying to leave to Rustenburg.  He was thus, arrested and charged with murder,” says SAPS North West spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani.

NORTH WEST MURDER: MAN EXPECTED IN COURT ON MONDAY

Now police say the man is due to make an appearance before the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court in the North West on Monday, 20 December 2021, facing charges of murder. At this point it isn’t clear whether the suspect’s girlfriend will face any charges, given that she fled with him and opted not to inform police.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the incident and commended the Mogwase Detectives for acting swiftly and arresting the suspect.

“According to information received, the suspect, his girlfriend and the victim were at a local tavern enjoying themselves on Thursday night until the early hours of Friday morning, 17 December 2021.  The trio left the tavern and went to the suspect’s place where a fight allegedly ensued between the victim and the suspect.  During the fight, the suspect allegedly took out a knife and stabbed the victim on the neck, then fled the scene together with his girlfriend”

SAPS North West spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani.