17 Feb 2021

A 33-year-old man appeared before Broadhurst Magistrate Court on February 16 charge with a count of murder after a body of a 34-year-old woman was found laid in a pool of blood with stab wounds on the chest and neck.

In an interview with BOPA on Tuesday, Station Commander of Broadhurst Police Station, Superintendent Obusitswe Lokae said the incident occurred at around 9am at Lekgwarapana ward in Matebeleng on Sunday of Valentine’s Day. 

The victim was rushed to Extension II Clinic, where she was certified dead.

“It is alleged that the accused person and the deceased were lovers and had a misunderstanding prior to the incident,” said Supt Lokae. 

He said the accused person was arrested on the night of the alleged crime.

Supt Lokae said the accused person allegedly stabbed his girlfriend several times on the neck and chest. 

The victim hails from Mahalapye. 

Supt Lokae also confirmed that the couple’s 8-year-old son was also severely stabbed with a sharp instrument on the neck and was currently hospitalised at Princess Marina Referral Hospital.

Therefore, Supt Lokae has appealed to the public to seek help when they have conflicts to avoid taking decisions that could cost human life.

Meanwhile, Supt Lokae said they were concerned by an increase in robbery cases targeted at businesses and residences. 

He said there had been increasing reports of attacks and robbery, where business people were pounced on and culprits got away with an undisclosed amount of cash. 

As such, Mr Lokae encouraged businesses to deposit cash at the banks for safe keeping before the end of business daily. 

Mr Lokae warned the business community to be vigilant at all times, as the culprits were dangerous and further encouraging the public to report any persons who looked suspicious.

In addition, Supt Lokae was worried about non-compliance with COVID-19 health protocols. 

He said some community members in his policing area were failing to comply with the set curfew restriction.

Supt Lokae stated that there were some people, especially motorists that failed to comply with the set curfew restriction and were of the habit of travelling during curfew times without permits.

Therefore, Supt Lokae emphasised adherence to the COVID-19 protocols, including proper wearing of masks. 

He said it was unfortunate to observe that to date, some individuals were charged for failing to use face mask.

He said some people had the habit of wearing masks only when police officers were in the vicinity, an uncalled for and risky behaviour as such individuals were at risk of getting or spreading the deadly coronavirus. ends