Lephalale Man Arrested for Murder at Informal Settlement
LEPHALALE – A 43-year-old man has been arrested by the South African Police Service in Lephalale for the murder of a 58-year-old male at the Onverwacht informal settlement in Snuifspeel on Saturday, November 25, 2023. The victim is believed to have been the current boyfriend of the suspect’s former lover.
According to South African Police Service, the police report indicates that the suspect had previously resided with his ex-girlfriend but was compelled to leave after being served with a protection order. Subsequently, he established residence in a shack on an empty stand. The incident occurred around 18:30 when the suspect, returning home from work, discovered his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend consuming alcohol at his residence.
A confrontation ensued, leading to a physical altercation among the three individuals. During the fight, the suspect reportedly used a broken bottle to stab both the 58-year-old man and his ex-girlfriend. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and police were called to the scene, where they found the boyfriend deceased and the woman with shoulder injuries.
The 43-year-old male was arrested at the scene and is expected to appear before the Lephalale Magistrates’ Court soon, facing murder charges.
The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing as the police continue to gather more information.