The Limpopo police have arrested a 48-year-old man in connection with the brutal murder of his girlfriend and the attempted murder of her 16-year-old daughter.

Polokwane Review reports that the man was arrested in Makatu Village, which falls under the Siloam policing area in the Vhembe District.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning when the suspect allegedly forced his way into the woman’s home while she was asleep with her children.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the woman’s 16-year-old daughter woke up to her younger sister’s screams and found her mother being attacked by the suspect, who was known to the family.

“When the teenager tried to intervene, the suspect stabbed her several times before fleeing the scene. Police and emergency services were called to the house, where they found the lifeless body of a 47-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds. Her daughter was rushed to a local hospital, where she is receiving medical care,” he says.

The suspect was tracked down and arrested in Biaba, Louis Trichardt, yesterday, during a joint intelligence-led operation involving Siloam detectives and Makhado police.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspect is a repeat offender.”

He was expected to appear in the Dzanani Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges of murder and attempted murder. The outcome of his court appearance was not yet known at the time of publishing.

The acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Jan Scheepers, praised the swift response of the investigating teams and community members who assisted police with crucial information.

“This incident is yet another tragic reminder of the scourge of gender-based violence in our communities. We commend members of the community for providing valuable information that led to the suspect’s arrest,” said Scheepers.

Police investigations continue.

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