A 34-year-old traffic officer was arrested on Thursday for allegedly killing his girlfriend whose body was found dumped in Lebowakgomo in Limpopo.
The suspect is due in the Polokwane magistrate’s court soon on charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the body of an unknown woman was discovered under the bridge along the R37 Road.
The deceased, who suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen, is estimated to be aged between 30 and 35.
“A case of murder was opened and specialised detectives from the provincial office had been assigned to probe the occurrence,” said Ledwaba.
The suspect, who works for the provincial traffic department in Polokwane, was arrested at his homestead in Penina Park in Polokwane.
Ledwaba said the suspect was positively linked to the murder after police recovered some of the exhibits at the crime scene.
He added that the circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated. “The deceased’s identity will be released after their next-of-kin have been notified.”
Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe condemned the killing.
“Gender-based violence and femicide remains a top priority for the SAPS [SA Police Service], and incidents like these are very disturbing and shameful,” said Hadebe.
“[Such incidents] compromise the integrity of law-enforcement agencies. We shall make sure that this traffic officer rots in prison for such a brutal and premeditated murder.”
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