Horror in Nkomazi: Man Arrested After Axing Girlfriend to Death

By Rihlelo 
Nkomazi, Mpumalanga – A 41-year-old man from Schoemansdal in the Nkomazi area is expected to appear in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court today after being arrested for the brutal killing of his 31-year-old girlfriend, who was also the mother of his two children.

The gruesome incident unfolded on Monday following what police described as a “heated domestic altercation.” According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the man allegedly used an axe to fatally attack the woman during an argument at their residence.

The suspect is said to have struck the woman multiple times, inflicting fatal injuries before abandoning her lifeless body on the street and fleeing the scene.

Emergency personnel were called to the scene by concerned neighbours who discovered the victim lying in a pool of blood. Despite their efforts, the woman was declared dead upon arrival. The brutality of the attack has left the local community shocked and deeply disturbed.

“We can confirm that the suspect was arrested shortly after the incident. He is currently in police custody and is expected to make his first court appearance today,” said Brigadier Mohlala. “This is a heartbreaking case of domestic violence that turned deadly. Investigations are ongoing.”

The victim, whose identity is being withheld until her next of kin are fully notified, was described by neighbours as a “kind and loving mother” who had recently begun working to support her children. Residents of Schoemansdal have expressed outrage and sorrow over the murder, which many say could have been prevented.

“She was a quiet woman who never troubled anyone. We had no idea things were so bad between them,” said a neighbour who asked not to be named. “Now the children are left without a mother — and possibly without a father too.”

Sources close to the investigation revealed that the couple had a volatile relationship marked by frequent arguments, though no formal protection order had ever been filed by the victim.

Local community leaders and gender-based violence activists are calling for greater awareness and preventative measures in communities facing rising domestic abuse cases. Mpumalanga has seen a spike in violent crimes against women in recent months, prompting calls for urgent intervention.

“This is yet another senseless killing of a woman at the hands of someone she once trusted and loved,” said Zanele Khumalo, a coordinator for Women’s Justice Now, a local advocacy group. “We cannot continue to bury our sisters while abusers roam free until they kill. Communities must be educated, and victims must be protected before it’s too late.”

The Department of Social Development has dispatched social workers to provide psychological support to the victim’s family and, most importantly, the two children left behind by the tragedy. They are now in the temporary care of extended relatives.

Meanwhile, SAPS has confirmed that the axe believed to have been used in the killing was recovered and sent for forensic analysis.

Domestic Violence in South Africa: A Persistent Crisis

The killing in Nkomazi highlights the persistent scourge of domestic violence in South Africa, where gender-based violence (GBV) remains a national crisis. According to the South African Police Service’s annual crime stats, thousands of women are killed each year, many by intimate partners.

Despite national awareness campaigns and the rollout of gender-based violence command centres and shelters, experts argue that more grassroots-level interventions are needed. Many victims remain trapped in abusive relationships due to economic dependency, fear, or lack of access to help.

“This tragedy is not just a police matter — it’s a societal emergency,” said social worker Thembi Sithole. “We need to reach women before these relationships escalate to murder. Community watch programs, safe spaces, and stronger penalties for abusers must become standard.”

Call for Justice and Accountability

The suspect is expected to be charged with murder and may face additional charges depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has pledged to oppose bail, citing the severity of the crime and potential risk to the community.

“As the state, we intend to ensure that justice is served in this horrific case,” said a local NPA representative. “We are working closely with investigators to present a strong case in court.”

Community members in Schoemansdal are reportedly planning a vigil to honour the life of the victim and raise awareness about domestic abuse.

If You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence: Help Is Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please contact:

GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428

SMS ‘Help’ to: 31531

MySAPSApp: For anonymous police reports

Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322

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