A 48-year-old man from Mautse near Rosendal is expected to appear in the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on charges of attempted murder.

This follows a disturbing incident where the suspect allegedly attacked his 26-year-old girlfriend with an axe.

The horrific event occurred on Thursday, June 27, at approximately 7 PM. According to Provincial Police Spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, the victim had visited her boyfriend’s home and found him in the company of another woman in his bedroom.

A confrontation ensued, during which the suspect insulted and physically assaulted her. Initially, the suspect threatened her with a knife, which she managed to disarm. However, he subsequently armed himself with an axe and struck her on the head before strangling her.

Despite her severe injuries, the victim managed to walk back to her home, where her sister promptly called an ambulance. She was rushed to a local hospital for immediate medical treatment. Upon her discharge from the hospital on July 2, 2024, the victim reported the incident to the Rosendal police station.

In response to the reported domestic violence, Rosendal police arrested the suspect on Tuesday, June 2. The suspect has been charged with attempted murder and is set to face the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court today (Wednesday).

The case remains under investigation, and further updates will be provided as they become available.