“It is alleged that the suspect (58) went to look for his wife at her parent’s home in the same area at about 21:00 on Sunday, June 6.

The couple apparently had marital problems.

“Upon arrival, he found his mother in-law who informed him that her daughter was not at home.

“He allegedly became furious and attacked the elderly woman with a sharp object.

“The man then left and went home. He then went to his neighbour’s house and allegedly raped the girl before he attacked her with a sharp weapon,” said Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, police spokesperson.

“The police and medical emergency services were called to the scene and both victims were rushed to hospital. Unfortunately, the girl was certified dead on arrival.”

Meanwhile, the police searched for the suspect, who was later found hanging from the roof of the neighbour’s house.

Also read: 8 year old girl raped and murdered

“Police have opened cases of murder, rape, attempted murder and an inquest for investigation.

“The motive for the incident is not clear,” added Motlafela.

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Provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe condemned the incident.

She called upon members of the community to seek help if confronted with domestic challenges instead of resorting to violence.

The Limpopo Department of Social Development has dispatched a team of social workers to provide psychosocial support to the family of the girl.

MEC for Social Development Nkakareng Rakgoale has expressed her shock at the incident on the last day of the 2021 National Child Protection Week.

“It is very disturbing to learn of this horrific incident which came as a result of a domestic dispute.

We call on families who are having problems to approach our social workers who will then assist them through our family preservation program.”