Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

A Limpopo police constable was remanded in custody yesterday when he appeared in the Groblersdal magistrate's court on charges of attempted murder.

Constable Elias Maile, 36, attached to the Motetema police station, had been arrested for allegedly trying to kill his girlfriend of more than three years.

He will appear again tomorrow for a bail application.

Police spokesman Superintendent Mohale Ramatseba said Maile was arrested after he allegedly fired several shots at his girlfriend, Patience Mtawu, 25.

Ramatseba said Mtawu was driving her Opel Corsa when Maile, who was driving his private car, shot at her. She narrowly escaped death and reported the matter to the police, who then arrested Maile.

"The couple was allegedly having problems in their relationship prior to the incident," he said.

Ramatseba said Maile will be handed a letter of suspension from the South African Police Service soon.