Woman stabs lover with table knife

The suspect, Dikabelo Malele of Tsogo ward, appeared before the Kanye Magistrate Court on Tuesday, charged with the murder of her partner, Gopolang Suping.

According to the charge sheet, the couple had spent the evening at Madume Bar and was last seen dancing together by fellow villagers before heading home, where the deadly confrontation is believed to have occurred. Malele is facing a murder charge, and her plea has been reserved.

People in the village who knew the couple described a troubled relationship, marked by frequent quarrels and physical altercations. Suping was often seen physically attacking Malele, especially when under the influence of alcohol.

“They fought all the time, we always feared things would end badly, but none of us imagined it would go this far,” a neighbour said.

Speaking to The Midweek Sun outside the courtroom, Malele said she acted in self-defense after suffering years of abuse.

“He used to beat me so much. I stayed because I loved him. But this time, I fought back,” she said.

She recounted that Suping had come home on the night of the incident, demanding to see their three-year-old daughter, although he was aware that the child was away visiting relatives.

The argument intensified, and according to Malele, Suping became violent. In the struggle, she grabbed the nearest object, a kitchen table knife, and struck back.

Ranaka village leader, Kgosi Moemedi Telekelo, expressed sorrow and disbelief at the incident. “In all my years, I have never heard of a woman here killing her partner in such a way. This is a first for Ranaka, and the incident is deeply saddening,” he said.

The case has been postponed to June 26 for a status update and bail hearing.