A Gauteng police sergeant is expected to appear in the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. This is as a result of an alleged domestic violence incident. Leading to the attempted murder of his girlfriend and the destruction of her home (Citizen).
Domestic violence attempted murder and arson
The 46-year-old officer, stationed at Olievenhoutbosch SAPS, was arrested. He set fire to his girlfriend’s two-roomed tin house in Lyden village, Bakenberg, Limpopo during the early hours of Thursday morning.
The Citizen reports that according to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the incident occurred at around 2:45 am, when the suspect allegedly became angry after the woman failed to answer his knock.
‘He is reported to have set fire to the curtains, which resulted in the entire structure catching alight,’ said Ledwaba.
Meanwhile the woman sustained injuries but was rescued by neighbours, who alerted emergency services.
Ledwaba confirmed that the suspect, believed to be the woman’s boyfriend, was traced and arrested on Friday. He is facing charges of attempted murder and arson.
‘The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has been informed and is overseeing the investigation,’ he said.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended officers for their swift response and reiterated the South African Police Service’s stance on domestic violence, urging members of the public to report abuse without delay.
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Picture: Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images
