Students at the University of Limpopo are reeling with shock after a man hammered his girlfriend to death.
A fraction of the University of Limpopo community was left shell-shocked after a violent attack that led to the gruesome death of a security guard.
The incident has sparked outrage among student community who denounced the act as “barbaric”.
Nakedi Mohale, a bystander who said he witnessed the incident said they are still reeling with shock.
“What happened happened to the poor woman was not only cruel but also barbaric. Even though we don’t have the details of their squabbles, this boyfriend was evil and heartless. You don’t bash a human being like an animal.”
Police in Mankweng, have arrested the 44-year-old boyfriend for the murder of his 37-year-old girlfriend, who was a security officer at the institution, following a violent attack at her workplace on September 12.
It is alleged that at approximately 20:40, the suspect, who is said to be the boyfriend of the deceased, went to the University of Limpopo campus where the victim 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. Following the attack, the suspect allegedly attempted to drive away from the scene.
Students who witnessed the incident reportedly pursued him, resulting in him abandoning the vehicle and attempting to flee on foot. The students managed to apprehend him and handed him over to the police.
Emergency medical services personnel attended to the victim and transported her to Mankweng Hospital for medical treatment. She later succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment.
The suspect was initially arrested on a charge of attempted murder. Following the victim’s death, the charge has subsequently been changed to murder.
The object believed to have been used in the commission of the offence was recovered. The motive for the attack is not yet known, However domestic violence cannot be ruled out. Investigations are continuing.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, has condemned the incident and called for an end to violence against women.
“This tragic incident is a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of violence against women. We commend the swift response by our members and the assistance rendered by the students, which contributed to the apprehension of the suspect. The police will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that justice takes its course,” said Scheepers.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the abandonment of bail by Thomas Samuel Maahlo (44), from Ga-Mothapo, who appeared briefly before the Mankweng Magistrates’ Court on a charge of murder following the death of his girlfriend, Christina Nyalungu.
During his court appearance, Maahlo abandoned his application for bail and will remain in custody.
The matter was postponed to 13 November 2026 for further investigations.