By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE – A 42-year-old member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is expected to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 January 2026, on a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) after allegedly attacking a 61-year-old woman with a wooden pick handle.
The incident allegedly occurred on Friday, 9 January 2026, at around 17:15 at Tshirenzheni Village. According to police reports, the victim was asleep when the suspect arrived at her residence, shouting angrily.
When she went outside to investigate the disturbance, the suspect allegedly assaulted her several times on the head with a wooden pick handle, causing serious injuries.
The injured woman was rushed to a local hospital where she received medical treatment.
The suspect, who holds the rank of Sergeant and is stationed at the Vuwani Military Base, was arrested on Sunday, 11 January 2026, and remains in police custody pending his court appearance.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo has strongly condemned the incident, stating that “acts of violence, particularly against elderly members of the community, will not be tolerated. The law applies equally to everyone, regardless of position or occupation.”
Police investigations into the matter are continuing.
