A 43-year-old man who brutally stabbed his girlfriend to death and wounded a man after he tried to rescue the victim during a vicious gender-based violence incident on Wednesday, in Giyani has been arrested after trying to escape the full might of the law by attempting to commit suicide.
Police said that the arrest emanates after the mother of four was stabbed multiple times by the suspect, after he intruded into a house belonging to her friend.
“The woman and her children were being temporarily accommodated by the friend after she experienced domestic challenges with her boyfriend.
“The house was reportedly still under construction and the suspect managed to gain entry by using the door that was not properly locked. He then started to stab the victim multiple times.
“The owner of the house tried to intervene but the suspect tried to stab her as well and she ran outside to seek assistance from the community members. A community member tried to rescue the woman, but he was also stabbed multiple times by the suspect.
“The woman, identified as Esther Machavi, (43), was certified dead on the scene and the injured man was transported to the nearby medical facility.
“The suspect was arrested on the same day at around 21:00 at his house in Vuhehli Village in Giyani. During the arrest, the suspect tried to commit suicide by stabbing himself with a knife but was rescued and transported to the hospital. He was later discharged and detained at the local Police Station.
“Police also confiscated a knife believed to be the weapon used to commit the crimes.
“The suspect has been charged with murder and attempted murder and will appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 08 December 2023”, said Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has urged families and people who are in any relationship to seek professional assistance whenever they encounter problems or have misunderstandings.
“Violence does not solve any problems, instead it leads to the unnecessary loss of lives. A thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure the suspect faces the full might of the law,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.
“Police investigation continues”, added Brigadier Mashaba.
