๐จ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ ๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ผ๐ป๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐น
Thomas Samuel Mahlo, 44, has abandoned his bail application in the Mankweng Magistrateโs Court following his arrest for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, a 37-year-old University of Limpopo security officer.
Mahlo appeared briefly in court today, Monday, where he abandoned his bid for release on bail.
The matter was postponed to 6 November 2026 for Mahlo to secure legal representation. He will remain in custody.
Mahlo is accused of attacking the University of Limpopo security officer with a hammer while she was on duty at the universityโs Mankweng campus in the Capricorn District on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident occurred at approximately 20:40 when Mahlo allegedly approached the woman at her workplace and attacked her, leaving her critically injured.
He allegedly attempted to flee the scene in a vehicle after the attack, but students who witnessed the incident reportedly pursued him.
Mahlo allegedly abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot before the students apprehended him and handed him over to police.
The injured security officer was transported to Mankweng Hospital, where she later died while receiving treatment.
Mahlo was initially charged with attempted murder, but the charge was upgraded to murder following her death. Police also recovered the object allegedly used in the attack.
The motive remains unknown, although police have not ruled out domestic violence.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Jan Scheepers condemned the alleged attack and praised the students and police officers for their swift response.
โThis tragic incident is a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of violence against women.
โWe commend the swift response by our members and the assistance rendered by the students, which contributed to the apprehension of the suspect. The police will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that justice takes its course,โ said Scheepers.
SAPS has urged members of the public to report incidents of domestic violence and seek assistance before conflicts escalate into violence.