25-Year-Old Man Arrested After Girlfriend Killed in Qumbu

QUMBU – A 25-year-old man is expected to appear in the Qumbu Magistrate’s Court after he was arrested in connection with the alleged murder of his 23-year-old girlfriend in the Ngcoti village area.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday evening, 7 March 2026, at around 19:00.

According to police information, the young woman was allegedly assaulted during a dispute with her boyfriend at a homestead in the Ngcoti area near Qumbu in the Eastern Cape.

Emergency services were alerted after the victim was taken to a nearby hospital. Police received a call from the hospital reporting the incident and immediately launched an investigation.

Officers then traced and arrested the suspect.

Police say the suspect allegedly admitted that he had assaulted his girlfriend following an argument. The victim later died from her injuries.

The suspect was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Qumbu police station.

He is expected to appear in the Qumbu Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 9 March 2026, where he will face a charge related to the death of the woman.

Police condemn gender-based violence

The OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, condemned the incident and reiterated the police’s stance against gender-based violence.

He said violence against women remains a serious concern and that those responsible will be brought to justice.

Police have also expressed condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones following the tragedy.  Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing.

Ongoing concern over GBV

Gender-based violence continues to be a major concern across South Africa, with authorities urging communities to report abuse and seek help before disputes escalate into violence.

Police have encouraged community members to report domestic disputes or threats of violence to prevent similar incidents in the future.