Love triangle turns deadly: Axe murder suspect arrested in Limpopo while fleeing to Zimbabwe

Police in Limpopo have arrested a 51-year-old Zimbabwean man who had been on the run after a violent love triangle turned deadly at Wegdraai Village, Maleboho.

On Wednesday morning, IOL reported that the horrific incident occurred on Monday at around 11 pm.

The suspect, who is the elder brother of 20-year-old man arrested earlier thisweek, was cornered in the Alldays policingarea on Tuesday night while attempting to flee the country.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the arrest:

“The suspect, who had been on the run, was arrested at about 9 pm after he was found hiding in a truck headed towards Zimbabwe.

Upon arrival, he was found carrying a bag of clothes in an attempt to flee the country. Like his younger brother, he was also found to be in the country illegally.”

The case stems from the violent confrontation late on Monday after the brothers allegedly received information that the 55-year-old victim was romantically involved with the elder brother’s girlfriend. They stormed into a homestead where the victim and a 38-year-old woman were present.

“On arrival, a confrontation ensued, during which the elder brother allegedly attacked the man with an axe and severely injured the woman” said Ledwaba.

Paramedics certified the 55-year-old man dead at the scene, while the injured woman was rushed to hospital for urgent treatment.

Police swiftly arrested the younger brother at his home, where they recovered the bloodied axe, which he had allegedly tried to wash in an effort to destroy evidence. He was also confirmed to be an undocumented foreign national.

Both suspects – aged 20 and 51 – face charges of murder, attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and contravention of the Immigration Act.

They are scheduled to appear before the Senwabarwa Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Limpopo’s provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the swift arrest and applauded communit members for helping police track dow the fugitive.

“This was a brutal act of violence. We call upon communities to continue working closely with the police. We will not tolerate such despicable behaviour, and no one is above the law’ said Hadebe.