A traffic officer (34) attached to the Limpopo provincial traffic department in Polokwane has been arrested for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, whose body was discovered under a bridge in Lebowakgomo. 

SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the police responded to an incident where a body was discovered under a bridge on Thursday the 17th of August. "The deceased's age was estimated to be between 30 and 35 and had suffered a gunshot wound on the abdomen," said Ledwaba. He added that a case of murder was opened and specialised detectives from the provincial office had been assigned to investigate the murder. "A team, comprising of detectives from the Murder and Robbery and Tracking Team worked around the clock on the case, and through meticulous investigation, the suspect was positively linked to the murder," Ledwaba said. he added that the suspect was arrested at his home in Penina Park, Polokwane. "He was found in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police also recovered some of the exhibits at the crime scene, "he said. 

Ledwaba said the circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated. The deceased's identity will be released after the next of kin has been identified and notified. "Gender-Based Violence and femicide remain a top priority for the SAPS, and incidents like these are very disturbing and shameful as they also compromise the integrity of the law enforcement agencies. We shall make sure that this traffic officer rots in prison for such a brutal and premeditated murder "said Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe. The suspect will appear in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court in due course on charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice, and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.