A quiet village in North West has been left in shock and mourning after a 48-year-old mother of seven was allegedly murdered by her former boyfriend in a brutal axe attack. The tragic incident has deeply shaken residents of Mmatau village, near Madikwe, where the victim, Lebogang Caroline Motswasele, lived.
According to reports, the horrific attack occurred on the morning of Saturday, 28 February. It is believed that Motswasele had recently ended her relationship with the suspect, a decision that may have triggered the deadly assault.
Community members say the suspect allegedly attacked Motswasele with an axe during a violent confrontation at her home. The brutal nature of the incident has left many residents struggling to come to terms with what happened.
Community leader Solomon Molekwa explained that the suspect allegedly assaulted the victim multiple times with the weapon, leaving her critically injured. After the attack, he reportedly dragged her into nearby bushes in the yard.
The disturbing incident came to light when a neighbour heard desperate screams coming from the house. Concerned for Motswasele’s safety, the neighbour rushed to the property to investigate what was happening.
“When the neighbour arrived and asked the ex-boyfriend where Lebogang was, he told her that she had gone out,” Molekwa said.
However, the neighbour continued hearing screams and soon realized something was terribly wrong. Moments later, she saw the suspect allegedly retrieving the axe again, which frightened her so much that she ran away while shouting for help from other residents in the area.
Neighbours quickly responded to the calls for help and searched the yard. They eventually discovered Motswasele badly injured and rushed her to the nearest hospital in a desperate attempt to save her life.
Family spokesperson Tshiamo Matshailwe said doctors immediately admitted her to the Intensive Care Unit where medical staff worked tirelessly to treat her severe injuries.
“Despite the doctors’ efforts to save her life, Lebogang sadly passed away from the injuries she suffered during the attack,” Matshailwe said.
Her death has left her seven children heartbroken and without their mother. Family members described the loss as devastating, saying the children are struggling to cope with the tragedy.
The community has also expressed deep sorrow, with many residents condemning the violent act and calling for justice.
Motswasele’s funeral is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 8 March, at Mmatau Village in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. Family, friends, and community members are expected to gather in large numbers to pay their final respects and support the grieving family.
Meanwhile, police have confirmed that a murder case has been opened in connection with the incident. Authorities say the suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody.
North West police spokesperson Colonel Adel Myburgh confirmed that the case is being handled by the Madikwe Police Station.
The suspect appeared in court following his arrest and is expected to make his second appearance at the Madikwe Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 9 March, as investigations into the brutal killing continue.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the ongoing problem of gender-based violence in South Africa, with many community members calling for stronger measures to protect women from violent partners.
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