Limpopo – A 32-year-old resident of Polokwane, Westernburg has been placed in police custody for allegedly stabbing to death his brother’s girlfriend while watching soccer on TV.

The suspect will be appearing in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court today facing charges of murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) following a brutal attack at Extension 40.

Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the suspect was watching soccer on TV together with his two brothers and a girlfriend of the eldest brother.

Mashaba says at some point, the eldest brother reportedly went out, leaving his girlfriend inside the house. The suspect suddenly became aggressive towards the brother’s girlfriend where he stabbed her several times. When the brother tried to intervene, the suspect also stabbed him too before locking the house.

Community members became aware of the commotion and broke into the house to inquire. Seeing a group of residents in the house, the suspect fled. Community members gave chase until apprehending him. The mob badly assaulted the assailant.

“Police responded swiftly, rescued the suspect from the mob, and arrested him. The 32-year-old woman was found with multiple stabbed wounds and was certified dead on the scene by paramedics. The elder brother sustained serious injuries and is receiving medical treatment in one of the Polokwane hospitals,” she said.

“The suspect is under police guard in hospital and will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court to face charges of murder and assault GBH soon,” said Brig Mashaba.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, applauded the community for helping in the arrest of the suspect, but strongly condemned mob justice, urging members of the public to allow the law to take its course.