Woman allegedly stabs twin sister to death and chops her body

A 36-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly stabbing her twin sister to death and mutilating her with an axe in Ga-Mogotlane village, Limpopo.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, 18 January, and the suspect was arrested on Friday, 20 January, after being on the run.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), they were called to the scene of domestic violence, and on their arrival, they found a female victim lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds.

The victim, 36-year-old Lerato Mphahlele, was certified dead on the scene.   Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said a case of murder was opened.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim got into a heated argument with her twin sister, who then fetched a knife and stabbed her several times.

The woman further chopped the sister with an axe before fleeing the scene.  “She was tracked down and arrested on Friday, 20 January, while hiding at her boyfriend’s house in the nearby village,” he said.

Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, said the incident is disturbing and unfortunate, especially the brutal manner in which the suspect attacked her sister.

“We appeal to community members to find amicable ways of approaching domestic-related challenges instead of resorting to violence,” she said.

The woman will appear in the Moletlane Periodical Court on Monday, 23 January, facing a charge of murder.