UL Security Officer and Alleged Murderer Boyfriend to Appear at Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Monday
POLOKWANE: A 44-year-old man Thomas Maahlo has appeared briefly at Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Monday for the murder of his girlfriend on Saturday.
Police reported that a 37-year-old security officer at the University of Limpopo died after allegedly being struck on the head with a hammer by her boyfriend at the university’s Mankweng campus in the Capricorn District.
The incident occurred at approximately 20:40 on Saturday, 12 September 2026, while the woman was on duty.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspect allegedly approached the victim at her workplace and attacked her with a hammer, leaving her critically injured and bleeding.
The suspect allegedly attempted to flee in a vehicle following the attack.
However, students who witnessed the incident reportedly pursued him, forcing him to abandon the vehicle and escape on foot.
The students subsequently apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the police.
Emergency medical personnel transported the injured security officer to Mankweng Hospital, where she later died while receiving treatment.
The suspect was initially arrested on a charge of attempted murder. Following the victim’s death, the charge was upgraded to murder.
Police also recovered the object allegedly used in the attack.
The motive for the killing remains unknown, although domestic violence has not been ruled out.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers condemned the alleged attack 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.
SAPS urged members of the public to report incidents of domestic violence and seek assistance before conflicts escalate into violence.
The matter has been remanded to 06 November 2026 to apply for a legal representative
