A quiet village in North West has been left in shock and mourning after a 48-year-old mother of seven was allegedly murdered by her former boyfriend in a brutal axe attack. The tragic incident has deeply shaken residents of Mmatau village, near Madikwe, where the victim, Lebogang Caroline Motswasele, lived.
According to reports, the horrific attack occurred on the morning of Saturday, 28 February. It is believed that Motswasele had recently ended her relationship with the suspect, a decision that may have triggered the deadly assault.
Community members say the suspect allegedly attacked Motswasele with an axe during a violent confrontation at her home. The brutal nature of the incident has left many residents struggling to come to terms with what happened.
Community leader Solomon Molekwa explained that the suspect allegedly assaulted the victim multiple times with the weapon, leaving her critically injured. After the attack, he reportedly dragged her into nearby bushes in the yard.
The disturbing incident came to light when a neighbour heard desperate screams coming from the house. Concerned for Motswasele’s safety, the neighbour rushed to the property to investigate what was happening.
“When the neighbour arrived and asked the ex-boyfriend where Lebogang was, he told her that she had gone out,” Molekwa said.
However, the neighbour continued hearing screams and soon realized something was terribly wrong. Moments later, she saw the suspect allegedly retrieving the axe again, which frightened her so much that she ran away while shouting for help from other residents in the area.
Neighbours quickly responded to the calls for help and searched the yard. They eventually discovered Motswasele badly injured and rushed her to the nearest hospital in a desperate attempt to save her life.
Family spokesperson Tshiamo Matshailwe said doctors immediately admitted her to the Intensive Care Unit where medical staff worked tirelessly to treat her severe injuries.
“Despite the doctors’ efforts to save her life, Lebogang sadly passed away from the injuries she suffered during the attack,” Matshailwe said.
