A man who recently got married is behind bars after his arrest last week for allegedly hacking his wife to death with a panga and injuring a second person who tried to intervene.

Rodney Witbooi (33) is charged with the brutal murder of his wife, Soneé (28) at their home in Loerie Park, George last Wedneday. He made his first appearance in the George Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

According to information, the murder follows an alleged altercation between the couple.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies police responded to the incident at the house at about 02:00 and found the deceased with multiple wounds inside the home.

“It is alleged that the victim and a man had an argument and he assaulted her with a panga. She sustained multiple wounds and was declared dead by paramedics on scene,” says Spies.

“A second victim who intervened was also assaulted and sustained injuries in the attack. She was taken to hospital for medical care.”

Witbooi was arrested on the scene. He faces charges of murder and attempted murder and opted for representation from Legal Aid SA.

The matter was remanded until January 12 and Witbooi will remain in custody until then.