TZANEEN – A 43-year-old man has been arrested on a charge of murder following the fatal stabbing of a 76-year-old woman in the Letsitele.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba says the incident occurred on Sunday (February 8).

“Police were alerted to the scene, where they found the elderly woman lying on the ground with a stab wound to her back. She was declared dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Services.”

The suspect, allegedly the victim’s boyfriend, fled the scene after the incident. Community members later traced him to his residence and brought him back to the scene, where he was assaulted.

Police intervened and rescued the suspect.

A knife believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was recovered.

The suspect is currently under police guard at a local hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the mob attack. He will appear in court once medically fit.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned the incident and reiterated the call to end gender-based violence and femicide. She also warned community members against taking the law into their own hands and urged the public to report criminal activities to the police.