Knysna woman dies after ex-lover allegedly stabs her

A 31-year-old woman, Bianca Malgas, was attacked at about 1.15am on Monday, November 9, at a residence in Greenfields, Knysna. She sustained multiple stab wounds and later died at a hospital in George. The suspect, believed to be her former partner, reportedly handed himself over in Cape Town and is in police custody. The Western Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Christopher Spies, confirmed that police are investigating murder and assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm.

According to Warrant Officer Christopher Spies, police were alerted to the incident by a man who reported the attack at a residence in Greenfields. Upon arrival at the hospital, it was established that the victim had sustained multiple stab wounds. The suspect also sustained injuries during the attack. The police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The killing comes amid continued reports of gender-based violence involving women and their partners or former partners. On October 7, 2026, a Cape Town law enforcement officer, Chuma Rozani, was allegedly shot eight times in the face and shoulders at her home by her former boyfriend, police officer Mzwabantu Mlindi, following an argument. She survived but lost her left eye.

In another case, a mother of five was allegedly murdered by her new boyfriend in Khayelitsha, and her body was found dumped in F Section. A suspect was arrested and appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. These incidents highlight the ongoing concern over rising femicide and gender-based violence in the region.

Earlier in the year, on May 27, two women were killed in Cape Town within 48 hours, deepening alarm over rising femicide. One of the victims, Shakierah Augustine, was found dumped in Mitchells Plain. These cases are part of a larger pattern of violence against women, often at the hands of former partners or in fatal domestic violence incidents.

The suspect in the Knysna case remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court once charged. The police investigation is ongoing, with Knysna detectives working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. The incident has sparked renewed calls for action to address the rising tide of gender-based violence.

The South African Police Service is urging anyone with information about gender-based violence incidents to come forward. The community is encouraged to report any suspicious activity or information that may assist in the investigation and prevention of these crimes. The authorities are working to provide support to victims and to bring perpetrators to justice.

Key points

• The suspect in the Knysna case is in police custody and expected to appear in court once charged.
• The incident is part of a larger pattern of gender-based violence in South Africa.
• The police are urging anyone with information about gender-based violence incidents to come forward.