MOPANI – The police in Mopani are investigating a case of murder and suicide, following a horrific incident that took place at Taxi Village on Saturday night.

According to the spokesperson of the police in the area, Capt Moatshe Ngoepe, it is alleged that Tsepiso Maropane (18) and his girlfriend were inside their house when the incident took place.

According to the police statement, an argument ensued between the two during the night. The cause of the argument could not be established. During the argument, Maropane allegedly produced a knife and stabbed his lover to death.

The deceased was identified as Lizzy Phehla (18). The statement indicates that Maropane later turned the knife on himself. The police are investigating the matter further.

In a separate incident, the police arrested a 24-year-old man on Sunday and charged him with rape.

The incident took place in the Saselemani bushes. According to the police statement, the suspect was allegedly found by two women while he was busy raping a 17-year-old girl in the bushes. They screamed upon seeing him and moments thereafter several people arrived on the scene.

The man was then arrested. According to the police statement, the victim is a psychiatric patient. The suspect was still to appear in the Saselemani Magistrate's Court at the time of going to press.