A 48-year-old man was arrested in Limpopo for allegedly hacking his mother and sister-in-law to death, and injuring a neighbour.
Provincial police spokesperson in Limpopo, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the “tragic and gruesome” incident related to domestic violence occurred on Monday morning at Ga-Chuene Moshate village under the Lebowakgomo policing precinct.
“According to reports, the suspect attacked a 23-year-old woman at her residence with a sharp object. She escaped and sought community assistance. The suspect then returned to his place of residence and killed his 78-year-old mother and 60-year-old sister-in-law with the same object,” said Mashaba.
Police apprehended the alleged killer with the assistance of community members.
The injured woman was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has expressed “profound” sorrow over the incident, highlighting the devastating impact of gender-based violence in communities.
“We are deeply saddened by the senseless attacks and killings of women, especially by family members. We will ensure justice prevails for the victims,” said Hadebe.
The motive behind the brutal attacks is still unknown.
The arrested man is scheduled to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, facing two counts of murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
Last month, IOL reported that the High Court in Limpopo, sitting in Polokwane, had sentenced a 26-year-old man who was convicted for the murder of his three family members, including his mother, at Breda village under Gilead policing area in the Waterberg District.
The court heard that on July 10, 2023, Tlou Milford Seanego had a heated argument with his 19-year-old sister.
“During the argument, the accused (Seanego) attempted to assault her, and their mother, aged 59, tried to intervene. The accused took a sharp object and hacked both his mother and sister with it,” said Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
Furthermore, Seanego brutally killed his nine-year-old niece who was also present during the incident.
He then fled the scene after murdering the three.
IOL