Police in Lebowakgomo have opened two counts of attempted murder following a violent attack on a mother and teen daughter in the early hours of Thursday, 12 November 2026.
How the incident unfolded
According to the South African Police Service, officers on patrol duties received a complaint at about 02:30 that a man was attacking his alleged girlfriend with a sharp object at Unit R. When police arrived at the scene, a relative of the 31-year-old victim informed them that the women had already been rushed to the nearest hospital in a private vehicle.
Victims found with serious injuries
At the hospital, officers found the victims – a 17-year-old teenager and her 31-year-old guardian – with serious head injuries. Both were bleeding heavily and unable to speak.
It is alleged that the 17-year-old was hacked on the head by her alleged boyfriend. The same suspect then attacked the 31-year-old woman, also hacking her on the head.
Suspect still at large
The suspect, a Zimbabwean national known only as Thatendi, remains at large. Police are appealing to anyone with information that could lead to his arrest to contact Investigating Officer Lieutenant Colonel Moses Choene on 072 653 6646, Sergeant Magadani on 072 029 7499, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station.
Provincial Commissioner condemns attack
Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Lesiba Mashilo, has condemned the attack and urged community members to assist police in bringing the suspect to book.
Police investigations continue.