FREE STATE — A 50-year-old man is in police custody, officially becoming the suspect arrested for the alleged murder of his ex-girlfriend following a deadly shooting in Zamdela. The tragic incident, which unfolded at a local dining establishment, has resulted in multiple severe charges and left the community reeling.
The sequence of events began on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at approximately 20:00. Spokespersons for the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit reported that officers were alerted by an unidentified male who stated his sister had been shot by her former partner. The shooting occurred at a chesa nyama situated directly behind the Zamdela Police Station.
Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement discovered an adult African female, identified as 38-year-old Matseleng Lydia Motsoane, lying motionless in a pool of blood. Emergency Medical Services personnel quickly assessed the situation but were unable to save her, declaring her dead at the scene.
Shortly after securing the perimeter, officers were directed to the 50-year-old male suspect, who was found lying on the ground suffering from head injuries. According to police spokespersons, the suspect had allegedly been assaulted by outraged community members immediately after the shooting took place.
Preliminary investigations have shed light on the motive and timeline of the attack. The suspect reportedly confronted the victim’s brother at the chicken dust establishment, angrily accusing him of introducing his former girlfriend to other men.
The situation violently escalated when the suspect allegedly summoned the deceased and her brother outside. He then opened fire on both of them. While both victims initially managed to flee back into the restaurant to escape the gunfire, the suspect pursued them inside and fatally shot Motsoane. Her brother miraculously escaped the attack unharmed.
The suspect has been formally arrested and is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm. He is expected to make his first appearance before the Sasolburg Magistrate’s Court soon to answer to the charges.
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