The police in Mpumalanga are searching for a man who is accused of brutally murdering a mother and daughter on Tuesday.
The police confirmed that they launched a manhunt on Tuesday, saying the suspect, who is believed to be very close to the family, committed the senseless act after paying the family a visit on Monday evening.
“Police are investigating a case whereby a 40-year-old woman and her daughter, 23, were brutally murdered in the early hours of today, Tuesday, April 2, by someone who is believed to be very close to the family in Matsulu, outside Nelspruit,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli.
“According to information, the suspect is said to have visited the family last night at about 9pm while they were watching TV.
“It is further reported that the woman’s son went to sleep earlier, leaving behind the man in question with other family members.
Mdhluli said the son was woken up when his mother screamed for help, and he entered the house and saw a suspect still holding a knife in his hand.
Pool of blood
“After noticing that, the son quickly ran out to call for help from the neighbours.
“Upon returning home, together with neighbours, they realised that the suspect somehow got an opportunity to get away through the window.
“It was during this time, as they got inside the house, that they found the mother and her daughter laying in a pool of blood, with multiple stab wounds.”
Police and medical personnel were summoned to the scene, but unfortunately, both victims were certified dead on the scene.
A case of two counts of murder has been opened, and the investigation is under way with the hope of arresting the suspect.
“It is against this backdrop that the police launched a massive manhunt for the suspect of this outrageous act,” said Mdhluli.
Police condemn the killings
He said the investigators believe that Thulani “Mathousand” Sikhundla can assist them in their investigation.
“Anyone who knows his whereabouts can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP.
“All received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.”
The provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant-General Daphney Manamela, strongly condemned the murder of the two women.
Manamela further assured the public that no stone would be left unturned, saying the aim was to swiftly bring the perpetrator before the law.
