A 30-YEAR-OLD man tried to commit suicide after he stabbed and killed his 22-year-old ex-girlfriend in Westmead on Saturday, 26 July.
Witnesses reported that the man confronted the woman on Gillitts Road at approximately 2.15pm, while she and two friends were on their way home from work.
An argument ensued between the man and the victim. The man then revealed a knife and began stabbing the woman repeatedly.
According to Lt Bongumuso Manqele, the communications officer at the Pinetown SAPS, police arrived at the scene to find the man stabbing the woman.
Authorities were alerted to the incident after witnesses stopped a police vehicle patrolling the area.
When the man saw the police he allegedly attempted to commit suicide by stabbing himself in the neck, said Manqele.
Justin Bosse, of the Ashley Residents Neighbourhood Watch, said the man attempted a second suicide at the scene, after paramedics stabilised him, but authorities were able to thwart his efforts.
Derrick Banks, of ER24, said the woman was stabbed multiple times.
“She had stab wounds in her chest, neck and face, as well as defence wounds on her arms and legs,” said Banks.
Paramedics spent 45 minutes performing CPR as well as advanced life support in an effort to revive and stabilise the woman, but she was unfortunately declared dead at scene.
The motive behind the incident is unknown. Social media messages and posts speculated that the incident occurred after the man had been fired from his employment.
Manqele confirmed that the man was arrested and taken to a local hospital. He has been charged with murder and is expected to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court soon.
