The suspect, 29, was arrested following an incident in which he allegedly stabbed and burned the woman alive inside a shack near Setsing Shopping Complex in Phuthaditjhaba on Saturday (25/7), in the presence of an eyewitness. The incident allegedly occurred at about 20:30 when the suspect arrived at the shack with the unknown woman, where they were warming themselves around a fire made from burning plastic, said Free State police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring.

It’s alleged the suspect stabbed the woman several times with a sharp object before throwing her onto the fire. He allegedly continued feeding the flames by placing cardboard boxes on top of her. 

Eyewitness

An eyewitness who was present allegedly tried to flee but was threatened by the suspect before eventually managing to escape, said Mophiring.

“At about 22:00, the eyewitness came across members of the public order police (POP) who were patrolling the area and reported the incident. The police immediately searched for the suspect without success, and a murder case was opened for further investigation.”

On Sunday, police continued tracing the suspect by following up on leads, with assistance from community members in his residential area and from other places he was known to frequent. Members of the Phuthaditjhaba public order police and detectives made a breakthrough on Monday when they arrested the suspect at a relative’s house in Bluegumbosch, where he had allegedly been hiding.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (29/7) on a charge of murder. Police have appealed to the public to assist in identifying the deceased woman, who is believed to be about 27 years old, so that her family and next of kin can be traced.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Phuthaditjhaba Detective Service, Warrant Officer Mathibela, on 082 554 3461 or the Phuthaditjhaba Community Service Centre on 072 564 3200.

The incident comes as the Free State continues to grapple with high levels of gender-based violence and femicide. Last week, Kroonstad high court convicted Pule Abraham Tshabalala of Ntha Township near Lindley on two counts of murder and defeating the ends of justice. 

Tshabalala is expected to be sentenced on 27 August for the 2024 murders of his girlfriend and her 18-month-old daughter.

Free State social development MEC Mathabo Hlalele has challenged men to reject harmful stereotypes that discourage them from seeking help and urged them to make use of available government support services.

Historically, men have been taught to suppress their emotions, leading to difficulties in emotional awareness and processing. This emotional disconnect often results in men feeling isolated and reluctant to seek help, further aggravating their mental health struggles.

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