WELKOM – A 42-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his 44-year-old girlfriend, who was found dead in an outside room in Reitzpark, Welkom, on Monday, 17 August.

Police were called to the area following a complaint and, on arrival, were directed to an outside room where they found a woman lying motionless on the floor.

The woman had multiple visible injuries to her body and forehead. She was declared dead at the scene and was later identified by her next of kin as Nontombi Poswa, 44.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the couple had allegedly argued earlier in the day before the dispute escalated into a physical altercation.

Police allege that the woman was struck several times with a blunt object before sustaining the fatal injuries.

The 42-year-old man was subsequently arrested on a charge of murder.

Police also confiscated a pick handle believed to have been used in the alleged attack. The item was booked into evidence.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.

Police have urged communities to reject gender-based violence and to report incidents of abuse and violence to the authorities.

ALSO READ: Life sentence for man who raped girlfriend’s daughter for 13 years