HARRISMITH – A 48-year-old man from Intabazwe at Harrismith is expected to appear before the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court today on a charge of murder following the death of his girlfriend after an alleged domestic dispute.
The deceased, 43-year-old Lerato Mofokeng of Intabazwe, succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday 2 June after spending several days in hospital.
According to police, the incident that led to her being hospitalised allegedly took place at about 19:00 on Sunday 31 May.
It is alleged that Mofokeng confronted her boyfriend after seeing him in the company of another woman, leading to an argument between the pair. During the altercation, the suspect allegedly assaulted Mofokeng by repeatedly striking her on the head with empty beer bottles.
Emergency services transported Mofokeng to a local hospital for treatment. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was transferred to a hospital in Qwaqwa on Monday, where medical staff continued efforts to save her life. Despite receiving treatment, Mofokeng died from her injuries.
The police were subsequently notified and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Investigators later traced and arrested the suspect, who has since been charged with murder.
Police confirmed the man would remain in custody and was scheduled to make his first court appearance in the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 4 June.
