Girlfriend arrested in Limpopo murder case after body discovered in maize meal bag
Hands of a woman tied with cable ties A woman aged 20 was arrested by police in Limpopo for allegedly murdering her 32-year-old boyfriend. File Picture
Image: File
POLICE in Limpopo have arrested a 31-year-old woman believed to be the girlfriend of Isaiah Thomas Maphalle, 42, whose body was discovered wrapped in a maize meal bag and buried in a shallow grave at his home.
The woman was arrested on Thursday, December 4. Limpopo provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said that the police in Tzaneen have made a significant breakthrough in this murder case, which took place in Morutji Village, Bolobedu South.
“It is alleged that the deceased, Isaiah Thomas Maphalle (42), was found murdered, with his body dismembered, wrapped in a maize meal bag, and buried in a shallow grave at the back of his house,” Ledwaba stated.
“The disturbing discovery was made after community members alerted the police,” he added. Following this, a thorough investigation was launched, leading to the arrest of the alleged girlfriend on Thursday.
“The motive behind the incident is still under police investigations,” Ledwaba noted.
Meanwhile, Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the investigating team for their swift response, asserting that acts of violence will not be tolerated in the province.
The suspect is set to appear before the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on Monday, December 8, 2025, facing a charge of murder.
“Police investigations are continuing,” Ledwaba confirmed.
In a separate incident, police in Apel, Sekhukhune District, have opened an inquest following the recovery of the body of 30-year-old Johannes Tsere Lekwadu from Ga-Selepe, who was found in the Raphulu River at Atok (Sefateng) also on Thursday, December 4.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated that the discovery followed an extensive search operation launched after the man was reported missing and believed to have been swept away by flooding.
He added that a missing-person file had been opened under Apel. “Police members, together with various stakeholders, continued search efforts throughout the period. After a prolonged and coordinated operation, the body of the deceased was located and retrieved. All relevant emergency and support services attended the scene,” Ledwaba said.
He concluded that police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.