Cape Town – A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of 49-year-old Mophinia Molise, whose body was discovered in a yard in Meqheleng, near Ficksburg, in the Free State.
Molise’s body was found on Sunday, 25 October 2026, with a severe open wound to her throat. The suspect was arrested later that evening following preliminary police investigations and is expected to appear before the Ficksburg Magistrates’ Court.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the woman’s body was discovered at about 08:00 in a yard near a house in Zone 2, Meqheleng. It was covered with a yellow blanket, and her husband and son identified her at the scene.
Police said her husband had last seen her at a local tavern on Saturday night.
“He allegedly discovered her lying motionless in his yard,” SAPS said in a statement.
The husband reportedly told police that he had approached Molise at the tavern and asked her to leave with him because he was intoxicated. She allegedly refused, and he left her with her friends.
Family and victims of gender-based violence
The suspect has been charged with murder, while a rape case is also being investigated. SAPS said a post-mortem examination had confirmed sexual assault.
Police have appealed to community members to remain calm and allow the justice system to take its course.
“The police appeal to community members to allow the law to take its course and refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” the statement said.
The community has also been encouraged to support the family and victims of gender-based violence by attending court proceedings peacefully and allowing the legal process to proceed without interference.
SAPS pointed to previous successful prosecutions of femicide cases in Ficksburg, saying community support during court proceedings demonstrated the importance of collective efforts to secure justice for victims and their families.
The suspect is expected to appear in court on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
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Picture: Facebook / SAPS
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
