LIMPOPO – Police in Mankweng have arrested a 44-year-old man for the murder of his 37-year-old girlfriend, a University of Limpopo security officer, following a fatal attack on the university campus. The suspect, alleged to be the victim’s boyfriend, was taken into custody after a violent incident that has drawn strong condemnation from provincial law enforcement.
The attack occurred at approximately 20:40 on Saturday, 12 September 2026. The suspect allegedly arrived at the University of Limpopo campus where the victim was on duty and assaulted her with a hammer, striking her on the head and causing severe, life-threatening injuries.
Following the assault, the suspect attempted to flee the scene in a vehicle. University students who witnessed the event pursued the vehicle, forcing the suspect to abandon it and attempt an escape on foot. The students successfully apprehended him and detained him until law enforcement officers arrived to take him into custody.
Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to the scene and transported the victim to Mankweng Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Despite medical intervention, she later succumbed to her injuries. Consequently, the suspect’s initial charge of attempted murder has been officially upgraded to murder. Authorities have confirmed that the object believed to have been used in the commission of the offence has been recovered.
While the precise motive for the attack remains under investigation, authorities have stated that domestic violence cannot be ruled out. The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 September 2026.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, strongly condemned the attack and reiterated the urgent need to eradicate violence against women.
“This tragic incident is a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of violence against women. We commend the swift response by our members and the assistance rendered by the students, which contributed to the apprehension of the suspect. The police will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that justice takes its course,” Lieutenant General Scheepers stated.
Law enforcement officials are urging members of the public to proactively report incidents of domestic violence and seek available assistance before such situations escalate into fatal violence.