LIMPOPO – A 32-year-old man has been arrested by the South African Police Service in Lebowakgomo in connection with a murder reported at a local hospital.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday (February 1) when officers received a report of a murder at the Lebowakgomo hospital. On arrival, members found a male victim who had sustained multiple stab wounds.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had earlier been involved in an altercation with a friend of the suspect at a local tavern in Makaung. During the dispute, the suspect became angry, picked up a beer bottle from the floor and stabbed the victim,” said Ledwaba.

The victim was transported to hospital by the tavern owner, where he was certified dead by a medical practitioner. He was later identified as Mpho Jan Maenetja (25).

Following investigations, Lebowakgomo detectives, assisted by the Lebowakgomo Task Team, traced and arrested the suspect on Monday (February 2).

The suspect appeared before the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, facing a charge of murder. The case was postponed to February 10 for a formal bail application.