Break-up ends in hammer killing

A 35-year-old man accused of beating his girlfriend to death with a hammer has appeared in a North West court.

Rustenburg – A 35-year-old man accused of beating his girlfriend to death with a hammer has appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court, North West police said on Wednesday.

Police spokesperson Major Pelonomi Makau said James Maluleka, from Legonyane village in Jericho, appeared in court on Tuesday, on charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

“He is still in custody and will appear again on 7 December 2015 for his bail application,” Makau said.

“It is alleged that the accused visited his 28-year-old girlfriend on Saturday night and an argument ensued after the girlfriend informed him that their relationship was over.

“According to information received, the accused went outside the house and on his return he allegedly hit his girlfriend and her 62-year old mother with a hammer on their heads. The girlfriend died on the scene and her mother was taken to the hospital in a critical condition.”

Makau said that on his way out, Maluleka allegedly ran into the girlfriend’s 25-year-old sister and “he allegedly hit her with a panga on her head and eye. The girl was taken to the hospital and was later discharged”.

The community called the police who managed to track him down and arrested him the same night.

African News Agency

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