A 44-year-old man accused of attacking and murdering his girlfriend with a hammer will remain in custody after abandoning his bail application during his brief arraignment at the Mankweng Magistrates’ Court.

Thomas Samuel Maahlo, from Ga-Mothapo, appeared in court on Monday in connection with the death of 37-year-old Christina Nyalungu, a security officer at the University of Limpopo, who was fatally attacked while on duty on Saturday night.

The case was postponed to 13 November 2026 to allow police to continue with their investigations.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi, said the prosecution welcomed Maahlo’s decision to abandon his bail application.

“It is alleged that on 12 September 2026, Maahlo entered the University of Limpopo under the pretext of visiting Nyalungu,” Malabi said.

According to the NPA, Maahlo allegedly met Nyalungu before producing a claw hammer and repeatedly striking her on the head.

Nyalungu was rushed to hospital for medical attention but later died from the injuries she sustained in the attack.

The university previously said Maahlo had entered the campus legally and later contacted Nyalungu by telephone, asking her to meet him away from her workstation.

He was subsequently apprehended by campus security officers and handed over to the South African Police Service.

Following Monday’s proceedings, Maahlo was remanded in custody pending his next court appearance.

The University of Limpopo has condemned the killing and expressed its condolences to Nyalungu’s family, friends and colleagues.

The institution has also appealed to members of the public to respect the family’s privacy and refrain from making unverified or speculative comments, particularly on social media.