Limpopo Mirror
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Man arrested after 19-year-old girlfriend's fatal stabbing

Murder investigation launched as police probe motive behind Sunday's tragedy

By Thembi Siaga • 15 June 2026
 Man arrested after 19-year-old girlfriend's fatal stabbing

Raphala died at the scene, while another individual who intervened sustained injuries. The motive remains under investigation.

A 36-year-old man has been arrested by the Mphephu police in connection with the murder of his 19-year-old girlfriend, Zwivhuya Raphala of Matanda village, following a stabbing incident in Tshituni Tsha Fhasi village on Sunday, 14 June.

According to police, Raphala had been spending time with her sister at the home of Matodzi Alidzuli, where they were allegedly consuming alcohol. The suspect later joined the group.

It is alleged that after everyone had gone to sleep, the suspect followed Raphala and stabbed her with a knife. Alidzuli reportedly intervened in an attempt to stop the attack but was also stabbed during the altercation.

Raphala died at the scene, while Alidzuli sustained injuries and survived the attack.

Police said the suspect fled to a police station shortly after the incident. Following a preliminary investigation, officers opened cases of murder and attempted murder before arresting the 36-year-old man.

The motive for the attack has not yet been established.

Police investigations are continuing.

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