The body of Mpho Gladys Nkhobo was discovered on Saturday by her 10-year-old son with a knife still in her chest.
Police have made an arrest after a little boy found the body of his murdered mother in their Free State home.
The woman was reportedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend, who will appear in Hennenman District Court on Monday on murder charges.
South Africa is currently holding its annual 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and femicide, with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia stating on Friday that 11,564 cases of murder had been reported between April and September this year.
Woman stabbed in chest
Police were called to the scene of the murder on Saturday morning after the 46-year-old victim was found in a hut in Phomolong.
Police say the body of Mpho Gladys Nkhobo was first discovered by her 10-year-old son, who then informed family members.
“When he entered the hut, he was reportedly met by the shocking discovery that his mother’s body was lying on the floor with a knife in her chest.
“It is further alleged that the 10-year-old boy removed the knife from the victim’s chest and ran to inform his uncle of the discovery,” Free State police said.
The woman’s 49-year-old boyfriend was arrested later on Saturday near Ventersburg and will appear in court on Monday.
“The motive for the murder will form part of the police investigation,” police concluded.
Tips for domestic violence
As part of an awareness campaign against domestic violence, Police have released tips to help women trapped in abusive relationships.
Police advised women anticipating violence to avoid confrontations in rooms with a single entry point and to avoid rooms containing potential weapons.
“Keep money in a safe place for public transport and have a bag of clothes for yourself and your children and keep it in a safe place.
“If you plan to leave, leave when your partner is not there and take the children with you,” police advised.
Jarryd Westerdale
www.citizen.co.za