A 33-year-old man has been arrested in the Eastern Cape for allegedly killing his 35-year-old girlfriend with an axe following a domestic dispute in Libode. According to South African Police Service, the incident occurred on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at around 5:30am at the victim’s homestead in Gebane locality, Marhubeni A/A, Libode.
The suspect and the victim reportedly quarreled in the early hours of Thursday, and the victim’s 18-year-old daughter attempted to intervene but was chased away by the suspect. The suspect then allegedly hacked the victim to death with an axe, leaving the weapon at the scene.
Arrest and Charges
Police spokesperson Captain Welile Matyolo said the suspect was arrested on Friday, March 27, 2026, at about 4:40pm. He is expected to appear in the Libode Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 30, 2026, facing a charge of murder.
OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, welcomed the arrest and condemned the incident as a brutal act of gender-based violence. He extended condolences to the victim’s family and urged them to allow justice to take its course.
Separate Incident
In a separate incident in the same province, police arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of a 79-year-old man and the burning of his property in Tabase locality, Zibungu A/A, Libode. The incident occurred on March 20, 2026, when a group of community members allegedly assaulted the elderly man using wooden sticks, sharp weapons, and a firearm, resulting in his death.
- Three suspects, aged 40, 43, and 35, were arrested and charged with murder, arson, and malicious damage to property.
- The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
- The investigation continues, and the possibility of further arrests cannot be ruled out.
For more information on gender-based violence, visit the South African Government website.
