Friendly Mmaphefo axed with a panga!

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInNewsFriendly Mmaphefo axed with a panga!By: Aaron Dube • 04 OctAdd as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandMmaphefo Phelicia Khoza (34) was brutally killed with a panga. (Supplied) Community leaders demand harsh sentences for gender-based violenceMMAPHEFO Phelicia Khoza (34) was axed to death with a panga, allegedly by her lover.

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The shocking incident happened in Lebotlwane village in Zone 2, North West.

Mmaphefo was known to be one of the friendliest tellers at Shoprite Usave in Makapanstad Village, also in North West.

According to the grieving family, Mmaphefo was brutally killed with a panga and died at home on Thursday, 1 October.

Eunice Khoza (54) alleges that her niece was killed with a panga by the boyfriend.

“My niece was axed at the back of her head, and her fingers were chopped.

“She died in front of us waiting for an ambulance,” she said.

However, Eunice described her niece as a loving and hardworking woman.

She alleges that the boyfriend hasn’t visited her for the past two days.

She said that they had been together for almost a year now.

“The boyfriend is from Zone 9 in the village, and he is a quiet and soft person,” she said.

“We were alerted to the incident. I’m using crutches and sent another child to go and check, and they found her in a pool of blood.

“I had to go there. I found her badly injured, and when I called out her name, she wasn’t answering,” she said.

Eunice alleges that the panga wasn’t found in his home.

“Her boyfriend was visiting her almost every day,” she said.

She said that her niece left a 4-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter.

Grace Moja (47), an aunt, said: “We are greatly hurt as a family. We didn’t expect this.

“She was a quiet person and obedient. I was shocked to receive a call that Mmaphefo has been killed. She was a breadwinner at home.”

ANC Women’s League North West Executive Committee Member, Violet Maluleka, said: “We are calling on the government to bring a harsh sentence to those who commit gender-based violence and to bring a death sentence to those who kill women.”

Moretele Local Municipality mayor George Manyike conveyed deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this painful time.

ALSO READ: Five arrested for brutal murder!

South African National Civic Organisation Moretele subregion convener, Pontsho Mahlabe, said: “This is very sad. Men are busy killing women. As men, we need rehabilitation centres. Women are the ones who raise our kids.”

North West police spokeswoman Colonel Anne Magakoe confirmed that a murder case was opened at the Bedwang Police Station following the alleged death of a female, whose body was discovered at her home on Thursday, 1 October 2026.

“The police were alerted after the deceased’s young child reportedly sought assistance from a family member.

“Upon arrival at the scene, police found the victim lying on a bed with multiple visible injuries.

“A 36-year-old male suspect was traced and arrested later on the day. He is expected to appear before the Themba Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 5 October 2026, facing a charge of murder,” she said.

However, she said that regarding the cause of death, police cannot confirm the official cause at this stage.

The matter remains under investigation. “Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the murder are continuing,” said Magakoe.

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