Police probe two Christmas weekend murders in Maake and Mankweng in Limpopo
Limpopo police are investigating the murder of a 62-year-old woman whose body was found in a river in Madawa Village, with a separate murder case also opened after a 29-year-old man was found stabbed to death in the Mankweng policing area.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Media
Police in Limpopo have launched investigations into two separate murder cases reported in the Maake and Mankweng policing areas following incidents that occurred on Friday, 26 December 2025.
According to Limpopo provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the first case was opened after the body of a 62-year-old woman from Mineview Village was discovered at the Masehlana River in Madawa Village at about 11.35 am.
Police said they were alerted to the scene after receiving information about an unknown African woman found dead in the river. On arrival, officers found community members already gathered at the scene, with one resident pointing out the body to police.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was found wearing only a T-shirt, while her shoes and other clothing items were scattered nearby. She was bleeding from the mouth and nose,” said Ledwaba.
Further investigations revealed that the woman was last seen on Christmas Day. She had reportedly informed her family that she was taking her grandchild to the child’s mother in Madawa Village.
“Information revealed that she allegedly left the child at the (mother's) homestead and departed but never returned home,” Ledwaba said.
At this stage, the suspect remains unknown and police are continuing with investigations.
In a separate incident, police in the Mankweng policing area are investigating the murder of a 29-year-old man following an incident at Mabopane Moshate Section at around 10.50 am on the same day.
Police were summoned to the scene and, upon arrival, found the victim lying on the ground facing upwards. He was wearing white shorts and a green shirt and had visible bruises as well as a stab wound to the upper body.
Emergency Medical Services personnel later certified the man dead at the scene.
“The suspect in this case is also unknown, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under police investigation,” Ledwaba said.
Police have appealed to community members to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation or lead to the arrest of the suspects involved in both cases.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Sergeant Bopape of Maake SAPS on 079 875 7951 or Detective Sergeant Matome Mangena of Mankweng SAPS on 082 397 7076. Information can also be shared at the nearest police station, via Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or through the My SAPS App.
Investigations into both cases are ongoing.
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