Limpopo police have arrested a 31-year-old woman, who is believed to be the girlfriend of the late Isaiah Thomas Maphalle, 42, was found murdered, with his body wrapped in a maize meal bag, and buried in a shallow grave at the back of his house.
The police said the alleged girlfriend was arrested earlier this week on December 4, 2025.
Limpopo provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the police in Tzaneen have made a breakthrough in a horrific murder case that occurred at 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.”
“The disturbing discovery was made after community members alerted the police,” Ledwaba said.
He said a thorough investigation was immediately launched, which led to the arrest of the deceased’s alleged girlfriend, who is the suspect, on Thursday.
“The motive behind the incident is still under police investigations.”
Meanwhile, Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the investigating team for their swift response and said 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 added.
In a separate incident in the province, police in Apel, Sekhukhune District, 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) on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the discovery followed an extensive search operation launched after the man was reported missing and believed to have been swept away by flooding.
He said 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 added that police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
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