The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo has addressed widespread social media posts regarding an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred in Seshego on Thursday, 4 December 2025.
According to police, a 28-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man were involved in a dispute. The woman reported to the Seshego SAPS Community Service Centre (CSC) alleging she had been assaulted by the man. After an interview, she expressed her desire to obtain a protection order against him.
Police contacted the man, who subsequently arrived at the CSC. Upon his arrival, officers observed he had severe injuries. He insisted on opening an attempted murder case against the woman, while she maintained her intent to open a common assault case. Police informed both parties that they faced potential arrest.
At that point, the man decided not to open a criminal case, a choice he attributed to his workplace’s policy against employees with open cases. Both individuals instead opted to apply for mutual protection orders. The man confirmed his burn injuries were sustained from hot cooking oil allegedly poured on him by the woman.
SAPS explicitly denied circulating claims that police in Seshego refused to assist the couple. Authorities stated the police did not refuse to open a case; the couple themselves chose the protection order route. All necessary SAPS 508 A forms were completed and recorded in the SAPS 508 B Domestic Violence Register as required by law.
Following the viral social media posts, SAPS leadership, with the assistance of a social worker, located the man. He confirmed to both that he did not wish to open a criminal case and stated that the viral messages were not sent by him but were escalated online by his younger brother.
In accordance with domestic violence protocols, a social worker will provide psycho-social support to the couple. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for Monday, 8 December 2025. Both individuals are also expected to visit their nearest Magistrate’s Court to finalise their applications for protection orders.
