EASTERN CAPE | DERANGED AXE-WIELDING MURDERER HACKS 4 MEMBERS OF HIS FAMILY TO DEATH INCLUDING 5 YEAR OLD

An Axe wielding suspect has been arrested by the police after killing four people believed to be family members on Thursday the 30 March 2023 at about 19:00 at France Locality, in Lusikisiki.

Initial investigation revealed that the 24-year-old suspect was in his room whilst 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 crushing them with an axe. 

They allegedly died at the scene. 

Police were alerted to the incident by members of the local community, and one eye witness 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. 

The identities of the deceased are:

Nomantombi Nobanda (69)

Thembinkosi Nobanda (42)

Nomhayaya Phatekile (38)

Olwande Phatekile (5)

The arrested suspect is expected to appear at Lusikisiki Magistrate court today, 31 March 2023 on murder charges.

SAPS