Police in Lusikisiki have arrested a 24-year-old suspect on charges of murder.
This comes after an axe-wielding suspect killed four people believed to be members of his family last night, March 30, at about 19:00. The incident occurred at France Locality, in Lusikisiki.
“Initial investigation revealed that the 24-year-old suspect was in his room while the other family members, aged between 5 and 69, were sitting in the other room within the same homestead, when he went to their room and started (attacking) them with an axe. They allegedly died at the scene,” said police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana.
According to Kinana, police were alerted to the incident by members of the local community, and one eyewitness who escaped the ordeal unharmed.
“The motive for the killings is not known at this stage, however, the police have registered a murder docket for investigation. The suspect was immediately arrested in the same village, and the axe which is believed to have been used in the commission of this offence was recovered and confiscated by the police,” Kinana added.
The deceased were identified as Nomantombi Nobanda (69), Thembinkosi Nobanda (42), Nomhayaya Phatekile (38) and Olwande Phatekile (5).
The arrested suspect is expected to appear at Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court today, March 31 on murder charges.
