Man arrested for girlfriend’s murder and attempted murder of her son

A 29-year-old security officer who allegedly murdered his girlfriend and attempted to murder her son in March 2022 has finally been arrested.

The officer also appeared before the Mecklenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

BOY (3) LEADS POLICE TO MOTHER’S LIFELESS BODY

The body of a 22-year-old woman was discovered on Saturday, 26 March, in the bushes near Mamphahlane village, outside Burgersfort, Limpopo.

She was found to have been stabbed multiple times. 

This is after her severely injured and bleeding son sought help from the residents in the area, said police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojalefa.

He said the boy led them to the spot where his mother was lying. 

Community members then alerted the police of the discovery. 

“Police opened a case of murder and attempted murder and a manhunt for the suspect immediately commenced. “Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect stabbed both the woman and her son,” 

said Mojapelo.

The three-year-old regained consciousness and was able to raise an alarm.

POLICE TEAM WORK LEADS TO THE ARREST OF THE SUSPECT

The deceased has been identified as Fezile Nqumalo from Kwazulu Natal. 

Mojapelo said she was earlier reported missing by her family at Witbank police station in Mpumalanga Province.

“A well-coordinated investigation conducted by the police in Witbank in collaboration with investigators from Driekop police station led to the swift arrest of the suspect,”

said Mojapelo.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has since lauded the well-coordinated investigations that started with a missing person and subsequently led to the arrest of the suspect.

“As we continue the fight against gender-based violence and femicide, this arrest will send a clear message to other would-be perpetrators that the police will be relentless in pursuit of justice,”

concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.

THE GRIM DETAILS REVEALED AS LITTLE GIRL’S BODY WAS FOUND

Bontle Zethu Ditebogo Mashiyane, aged six, was reported missing on Saturday, 30 April 2022, by her family after she was last seen playing with other children nearby.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the discovery of the little girl’s body was made on Saturday, 21 May 2022, at Mganduzweni near White River.

“The investigation team was led to a scene where her body was thrown in the thick bushes, not far from her homestead (about 2 kilometers from her residence).”

said Mohlala.

The three suspects arrested for the little girl’s murder appeared before Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 May 2022.

They face four charges of kidnapping, human trafficking, rape and murder.

Collen Hlongwane (36), Thapelo Ngomane (25), and Ntombi Mgwenya (40) were remanded in custody until 24 June, as they applied for legal aid assistance.

Police said the three did not want to apply for bail.

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