Limpopo Woman Arrested After Boyfriend Found Dismembered And Buried In Maize Meal Bag

Limpopo police have arrested a 31-year-old woman believed to be the girlfriend of the late Isaiah Thomas Maphalle, 42, whose body was discovered dismembered, wrapped in a maize meal bag, and buried in a shallow grave behind his house in Morutji Village, Bolobedu South.

The suspect was taken into custody on Thursday, 4 December 2025, following a breakthrough by police in Tzaneen. Community members alerted authorities after making the grim discovery, prompting officers to launch an urgent investigation.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest and detailed the shocking condition in which the victim was found.

Breakthrough in Morutji Village Murder Case

“It is alleged that the deceased, Isaiah Thomas Maphalle (42), was found murdered, with his body dismembered, wrapped in a maize meal bag, and buried in a shallow grave at the back of his house. The disturbing discovery was made after community members alerted the police,” Ledwaba said.

Police launched a full-scale investigation, which quickly led them to the alleged girlfriend. “The motive behind the incident is still under police investigations,” Ledwaba added.

Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended officers for moving swiftly, stressing that violent crime would not be tolerated in the province.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 8 December 2025, on a charge of murder.

Separate Inquest Opened After Body Found in Flooded River

In an unrelated case, Apel police in the Sekhukhune District have opened an inquest after the body of Johannes Tsere Lekwadu, 30, from Ga-Selepe, was recovered from the Raphulu River at Atok (Sefateng) on Thursday, 4 December 2025.

The discovery came after an extensive search operation launched when Lekwadu was reported missing and believed to have been swept away by flooding. A missing-person file was opened under Apel.

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“Police members, together with various stakeholders, continued search efforts throughout the period. After a prolonged and coordinated operation, the body of the deceased was located and retrieved. All relevant emergency and support services attended the scene,” Ledwaba said.

He added that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are still underway.

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