Johannesburg – A man has been arrested for allegedly hacking his girlfriend to death with an axe in Loding, Mpumalanga police said on Monday.

The 22-year-old woman was declared dead upon arrival at hospital on Sunday afternoon, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said.

The 25-year-old and his girlfriend were allegedly arguing at a tavern in the area on Sunday morning. He took her to his parent’s house and allegedly hacked her with the axe while she was asleep.

“The suspect took a knife and tried to kill himself by cutting his throat, but he survived with serious injuries,” said Mohlala.

He would appear in absentia in the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. – Sapa