SAPS confirms the arrest of a 37-year-old woman for the murder of an off-duty police officer (50) and defeating the ends of justice. The incident occurred at approximately 21:00 on 15 June 2025 in Slastsha, Khwenxurha.
The victim and his girlfriend (detainee) were drinking at her homestead when a quarrel erupted. The argument began after the deceased announced plans to leave for another part of the village, which the detainee opposed, accusing him of visiting another girlfriend.
After being insulted, the detainee struck the victim repeatedly on the head with a knobkerrie, rendering him unconscious.
The detainee surrendered to police this morning (16 June 2025), claiming she had fought with the deceased the previous evening and discovered him unresponsive in the morning.
Police found the victim lying on his back with two head wounds (front and back) and right-arm bruising.
The detainee has been charged with murder and Defeating the Ends of Justice for allegedly tampering with evidence. The murder weapon (knobkerrie) has been seized for forensic analysis.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso condemned the incident, stating: “The violent death of a police officer, allegedly at the hands of someone close to him, is a profound tragedy. We commend the swift response of our team in documenting critical evidence of evidence tampering. SAPS reiterates its stance against gender-based violence and domestic conflicts turning fatal.”
The detainee will appear before the local magistrate’s court in due course. The docket has been handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) for further investigation.
