The community of Gunqu village in Entembisweni in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is reeling from shock after the gruesome murders of a pensioner and her two relatives, including a four-year-old girl.
The community of Gunqu village in Entembisweni in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is reeling from shock after the gruesome murders of a pensioner and her two relatives, including a four-year-old girl.
Ntombama Sikhakhane, 70, Mfaniseni Nkomo, 18, and toddler Anele Sikhakhane were found dead in a pool of blood yesterday morning.
Another family member, Mbongeni Sikhakhane, 49, was also shot and wounded during the attack but managed to escape.
It is believed that the family members were asleep when unknown assailants kicked down the door and opened fired on them.
The deceased were discovered by a relative, Sihle Sikhakhane, 19, when he arrived home in the morning.
He told Sowetan that he left home on Monday afternoon to visit his in-laws.
"When I came back in the morning I noticed that something was wrong because the door was open," he said.
"On inspection I found my grandmother, my daughter Anele and Mfaniseni dead."
He said the family was puzzled about the incident.
"We don't know what exactly happened. I find it hard to believe that there are people who can kill others so gruesomely.
"My family has not wronged anyone. I'm now left alone at home. I only hope that the police will soon find the killers," he said sobbing.
It is not clear what might have led to the killing of Sikhakhane's family.
Police spokesperson Superintendent Henry Budhram confirmed that three family members were shot and killed, while the fourth managed to escape.
He said the police were contacted by a relative who found the deceased.
"The wounded relative was rushed to a hospital in Greytown after the ambulance was summoned.
"Investigations on the scene have established that some unknown persons kicked open the door of the house and attacked the family while they were asleep.
"The motive of the killings is unknown at this stage," he said.
Budhram said several expended 9mm cartridges were found on the scene.
He said the police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"We appeal to anyone who might help with the investigations to contact their nearest police station," he said.
FAMILY MURDERS SHOCK VILLAGERS
The community of Gunqu village in Entembisweni in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is reeling from shock after the gruesome murders of a pensioner and her two relatives, including a four-year-old girl.
The community of Gunqu village in Entembisweni in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is reeling from shock after the gruesome murders of a pensioner and her two relatives, including a four-year-old girl.
Ntombama Sikhakhane, 70, Mfaniseni Nkomo, 18, and toddler Anele Sikhakhane were found dead in a pool of blood yesterday morning.
Another family member, Mbongeni Sikhakhane, 49, was also shot and wounded during the attack but managed to escape.
It is believed that the family members were asleep when unknown assailants kicked down the door and opened fired on them.
The deceased were discovered by a relative, Sihle Sikhakhane, 19, when he arrived home in the morning.
He told Sowetan that he left home on Monday afternoon to visit his in-laws.
"When I came back in the morning I noticed that something was wrong because the door was open," he said.
"On inspection I found my grandmother, my daughter Anele and Mfaniseni dead."
He said the family was puzzled about the incident.
"We don't know what exactly happened. I find it hard to believe that there are people who can kill others so gruesomely.
"My family has not wronged anyone. I'm now left alone at home. I only hope that the police will soon find the killers," he said sobbing.
It is not clear what might have led to the killing of Sikhakhane's family.
Police spokesperson Superintendent Henry Budhram confirmed that three family members were shot and killed, while the fourth managed to escape.
He said the police were contacted by a relative who found the deceased.
"The wounded relative was rushed to a hospital in Greytown after the ambulance was summoned.
"Investigations on the scene have established that some unknown persons kicked open the door of the house and attacked the family while they were asleep.
"The motive of the killings is unknown at this stage," he said.
Budhram said several expended 9mm cartridges were found on the scene.
He said the police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"We appeal to anyone who might help with the investigations to contact their nearest police station," he said.