A Limpopo traffic officer is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court today on charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

The 34-year-old man’s appearance follows his arrest in Penina Park, Polokwane, on Thursday in connection with the murder of his alleged girlfriend whose body was dumped under a bridge near Chuenespoort on August 17.

The woman, who was estimated to be between 30 and 35 years old, was found with a gunshot wound to the abdomen by a passer-by.

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says a case of murder was opened after the woman’s body was discovered, and that specialised detectives from the provincial office had been assigned to probe the incident.

“The team, comprising of detectives from the murder and robbery unit and the provincial tracking team, worked around the clock and the suspect was positively linked to the murder through meticulous investigation,” his statement reads.

Ledwaba says the officer was arrested at his home in Polokwane on Thursday afternoon, and was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

“Police also recovered some of the exhibits at the crime scene,” he adds.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remains under investigation and the deceased’s identity will be released after the next of kin have been notified.

“Gender-based violence and femicide remain a top priority for the SAPS and incidents like these are very disturbing and shameful as they also compromise the integrity of law enforcement agencies. We shall make sure that this traffic officer rots in prison for such a brutal and premeditated murder,” provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe adds.