How police officer ‘attempted to murder girlfriend’ in Limpopo, got arrested
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A 46-year-old police sergeant attached to the Olivenhoutbosch Police Station in Gauteng has been arrested for allegedly attempting to murder his girlfriend and committing arson in a domestic violence incident that took place in Lyden Village, Bakenburg, outside Mokopane in the early hours of Thursday, 10 July 2025.
According to the preliminary police report, the victim was asleep when the suspect—believed to be her boyfriend—arrived at her home at around 2:45 a.m. When she failed to respond to his knocks, he allegedly set the window curtains on fire, sparking a blaze that engulfed the entire two-roomed tin house. The victim sustained injuries and was rescued by neighbours, who immediately alerted police and emergency services.
The suspect was traced and arrested the following day, and the case has since been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation, as it involves a serving police officer.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, praised the swift response by local officers in apprehending the suspect, reaffirming the SAPS’s stance against any form of gender-based violence and abuse, including by its own members.
The accused is expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 July 2025, facing charges of attempted murder and arson.
Below is full statement from the police:
Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo
POLOKWANE – A 46-year-old Police Sergeant attached to Olivenhoutbosch police station in Gauteng province has been arrested following the alleged attempted murder and arson at Lyden village in Bakenburg outside Mokopane, Tinmyme police area in Waterburg district, on Thursday 10 July 2025 at around 02:45.
The preliminary report suggests that the victim was sleeping when the alleged suspect (boyfriend) knocked at her door and suddenly got angry when the victim did not respond to him. The suspect then set alight the windows curtains, which resulted in burning the whole two roomed tin house (shacks) and injured her. The victim was rescued by her neighbours, who summoned the police and ambulance.
The suspect, who is alleged to be her boyfriend, was traced and arrested the following day.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified for further handling.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the rapid response.
The suspect will appear before Mahwelereng Magistrate court on Monday, 14 July 2025 facing charges of attempted murder and arson.
Ends
Enquiries:
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
082 451 7180
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