A 22-year-old man is expected to appear in the Makhado Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 9 February, on a charge of attempted murder after a woman was stabbed in Tshikota township, next to Louis Trichardt, on Friday night.
According to a statement released by the South African Police Service, a 39-year-old woman was walking with a friend and a male companion when they encountered the suspect, who was known to them and was in the company of another woman.
Police said the suspect, a Zimbabwean national, allegedly accused the male companion of looking at his girlfriend inappropriately. An argument ensued and escalated, during which the male companion ran away.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the suspect then produced a knife and stabbed the woman multiple times.
“Community members intervened, apprehending the suspect and assaulting him before police arrived. Officers rescued him and arranged medical treatment for both the victim and suspect,” Mashaba said.
Mashaba said the woman sustained serious injuries, while the suspect was treated for injuries from the assault. He was later arrested and charged with attempted murder.
Investigations are ongoing. Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned the attack and cautioned against vigilantism. “Acts of violence and mob justice are unacceptable. Communities are urged to work with the police and allow the law to take its course,” she said.