A woman was arrested in South Africa’s Limpopo province after allegedly stabbing a co-worker multiple times inside a retail store in what police described as a premeditated attack.
Police said the 39-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene in the Namakgale policing area on Thursday morning and is facing a charge of attempted murder. The 40-year-old victim was taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds.
According to a statement from the South African Police Service, the victim was on her way to work when a colleague phoned to inform her that a woman was looking for her at the store. After arriving, the victim went to a storeroom, collected items for sale and began packing shelves.
While she was working, the suspect approached her and exchanged greetings before allegedly pulling out a knife and stabbing her repeatedly. Store security personnel intervened, overpowered the attacker and rescued the victim.
Police and emergency medical services were called to the scene. Officers arrested the suspect and seized a sharp object believed to have been used in the assault.
Preliminary investigations indicate the suspect had gone to the store intending to harm the victim. Police said she pretended to shop and placed groceries in a trolley that included a set of knives, preparing one of them before confronting the victim.
Authorities said the motive for the attack remains unknown. The suspect is expected to appear before the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court on Monday.