Thaba-Nchu man, 35, arrested over stabbing death of Mamokete Rangwako
Selosesha detectives traced the suspect after a witness fled the house to raise the alarm, and he remains in custody ahead of a Thaba-Nchu Magistrate's Court appearance on a murder charge.
A 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the killing of Mamokete Ntswaki Rangwako, 33, at Mariasdal Trust in Thaba-Nchu, the South African Police Service said in a statement issued through the office of the Free State provincial commissioner.
The statement records that the incident took place on Friday, 2 October 2026 at about 23:00. Rangwako was sleeping when the suspect allegedly forced his way into the residence, according to the police account.
A witness who was in the house at the time managed to flee and go for help. When the witness returned with assistance, the door was closed. The group forced entry and found Rangwako lying on the bedroom floor with multiple stab wounds and a severe injury to her neck. The suspect had already left the scene through a bedroom window.
Emergency Medical Services were called to the house. Rangwako was declared deceased at the scene.
Selosesha detectives traced and arrested the suspect, who remains in custody. He is expected to appear in the Thaba-Nchu Magistrate’s Court soon on a charge of murder.
This report rests on the police media statement, which is a summary of the case rather than the court record. No plea has been entered, no trial date has been set, and the accused has not been asked to respond to the allegation. The charge he faces is murder. Under South African law a person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until a court finds otherwise.
Enquiries on the case are directed to Lt Col Thabo Covane of the South African Police Service.
Source: South African Police Service, 35-year-old male arrested for brutal murder in Thaba-Nchu (https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71590)
