LIMPOPO, South Africa — A man has been arrested in connection with the death of Sgt. Leah Malebye, a police officer whose body was discovered by her six-year-old grandson on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
Malebye, who was attached to the Rooiberg police station in Limpopo’s Waterberg District, had reportedly returned home with her boyfriend on the night she died.
The 43-year-old suspect, identified as her boyfriend, turned himself in at a police station in Klipgat, North West province, early Thursday morning, police confirmed.
Police spokesperson Col. Malesela Ledwaba stated that the motive behind the killing remains unclear, though authorities have not ruled out domestic violence.
“Initial reports suggest the sergeant returned home on Saturday night with her boyfriend. The next morning, her lifeless body was discovered by her six-year-old grandson. At that time, both the boyfriend and the sergeant’s vehicle were missing,” Ledwaba said.
Neighbours alerted authorities, and emergency responders pronounced Malebye dead at the scene. Her vehicle was later found abandoned approximately 50km from her home along Thabazimbi Road near Koedoeskop.
Limpopo police commissioner Lt-Gen Monica Hadebe commended the swift police action that led to the suspect’s arrest.
“I am pleased that within days of this senseless killing, the police acted swiftly and managed to arrest this callous criminal. I am confident the investigating team will present a watertight case in court to ensure the suspect receives the harshest possible sentence,” she stated.
The case underscores the persistent violence faced by police officers in South Africa.
Official statistics indicate that between April 2023 and March 2024, 109 officers were killed nationwide, with 36 of those deaths occurring while on duty.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has reiterated the government’s commitment to assisting the families of slain officers in pursuing civil claims against perpetrators, ensuring they are held financially accountable.
Efforts to support the families of fallen officers continue, with R11 million recently raised during a Police Charity Golf Day in KwaZulu-Natal for the SAPS Education Trust Fund, which provides educational assistance to children of officers who died in service.
In November, an additional R6.6 million was pledged to the fund during the Gauteng Provincial Excellence Awards.
The arrested suspect is expected to appear in court soon as investigations continue.
