A 25-year-old man has been arrested for murder after his 23-year-old girlfriend died from severe injuries following an alleged assault in Qumbu in the Eastern Cape.
According to police, officers from South African Police Service (SAPS) in Qumbu responded to a call from a local hospital on Saturday evening, 7 March 2026, at around 7pm.
The victim had been brought to the hospital by a 25-year-old man, both from Ngcoti locality in Qumbu. However, by the time police arrived, the young woman had already succumbed to her injuries.
Police then questioned the man, who allegedly confirmed that the deceased was his girlfriend. He told officers that the couple had an argument earlier that evening which escalated into violence. The suspect reportedly assaulted the victim repeatedly with a sjambok.
The man was immediately arrested and charged with murder.
He is expected to appear before the Qumbu Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 9 March, to face the murder charge.
Norman Modishana, the OR Tambo District Commissioner, condemned the brutal killing and reiterated that gender-based violence has no place in society.
He also extended heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and friends, stressing that perpetrators of such crimes must be held accountable and that justice should take its course.
Police investigations into the incident are continuing.
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