A 37-year-old University of Limpopo security officer has died after she was allegedly attacked with a hammer by her boyfriend at her workplace in Mankweng, Limpopo.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said a 44-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the murder following the violent attack at the university campus on Saturday night.
Ledwaba said the suspect allegedly arrived at the University of Limpopo at about 8.40pm, where the woman was on duty as a security officer.
“He allegedly attacked her with a hammer, striking her on the head and leaving her seriously injured and bleeding,” said Ledwaba.
According to Ledwaba, the suspect allegedly tried to escape by driving away from the scene after the attack.
Students who witnessed the incident reportedly chased after him, forcing him to abandon the vehicle and flee on foot.
The students managed to apprehend him before handing him over to the police.
Emergency medical personnel attended to the injured woman and transported her to Mankweng Hospital, where she later died while receiving treatment.
Ledwaba said the suspect was initially arrested on a charge of attempted murder, but the charge was upgraded to murder following the victim’s death.
The object believed to have been used in the attack was also recovered.
“The motive for the attack is not yet known. However, domestic violence cannot be ruled out,” said Ledwaba.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers condemned the killing and called for an end to violence against women.
“This tragic incident is a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of violence against women,” said Scheepers.
Scheepers commended the swift response by police and the assistance provided by the students, which led to the suspect’s apprehension.
“The police will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that justice takes its course,” he said.
Police urged members of the public to report incidents of domestic violence and seek assistance before situations escalate into violence.
