RUSTENBURG HERALD - SWARTRUGGENS/MARIKANA - Police in Swartruggens are investigating two counts of attempted murder following a violent domestic incident in Borolelo Township that occurred on Monday, 21 April.
It is alleged that a 29-year-old suspect attacked his 85-year-old grandmother with a knife after she attempted to reprimand him for causing a disturbance in the street. The suspect reportedly stabbed her twice in the neck and once in the face.
A neighbour who witnessed the attack and tried to intervene was also assaulted and sustained multiple stab wounds. Both victims were transported to hospital for medical treatment.
The suspect, who is the grandson of the first victim, was arrested at the scene. He has been charged and appeared in the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court last week.
The weapon used in the incident has been seized by police and the investigation is ongoing.
In a separate incident, police in Marikana have launched a murder investigation following the fatal stabbing of a 32-year-old man near a local tavern in Marikana West on Sunday, 20 April.
It is alleged that the victim was socialising with friends outside the tavern when an unknown suspect confronted him, accusing him of stealing a cellphone. An argument ensued, and the suspect allegedly followed the victim and stabbed him twice in the chest.
The victim collapsed near the roadside and was transported to hospital by a private vehicle, where he was declared deceased. No property was reported stolen, but the suspect fled the scene. Investigation by police is ongoing.
The Acting Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Commissioner, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, strongly condemned both incidents and emphasised that "such acts of violence have no place in our communities". She further assured the public that police are continuing with efforts to trace and apprehend the suspect in the Marikana case.
