Man arrested after his police officer lover’s death at the weekend

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of Sgt Leah Malebye, whose lifeless body was discovered by her six-year-old grandson on Saturday.

Malebye, who was attached to the Rooiberg police station in the Waterberg District in Limpopo, had returned home with the suspect, her boyfriend, on the night of her death.

Police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said the motive for her murder remains unclear, however, they have not ruled out domestic violence.

“The 43-year-old suspect was arrested after he handed himself over to the police in Klipgat, in the North West province, during the early hours of Thursday.

“Initial reports suggest that the sergeant returned home on Saturday night with her boyfriend. The next morning, her lifeless body was discovered by her six-year-old grandson.

“At that time, both the boyfriend and the sergeant’s vehicle were missing,” said Ledwaba.

He said neighbours reported the matter to the police, after which emergency services were called.

“They confirmed the sergeant’s death at the scene. Later, her private vehicle was discovered abandoned about 50km from her home along Thabazimbi Road near Koedoeskop.”