Mum and her three children axed to death

MPUMALANGA police are investigating four counts of murder after a mother and her twin sons and daughter were axed to death in their home in Phola Park, Thandukukhanya, Piet Retief.

The gruesome discovery was made by police on Friday, February 24, according to Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.

This comes after family members of the diseased filed a complaint, claiming that they had made several attempts but had been unsuccessful.

Mohlala stated that Piet Retief police responded to the complaint at approximately 10:25 p.m. and discovered the house locked.

“They (police) had to force their entry into the house and were amazed by the discovery of a lifeless body in the kitchen.

“When proceeding with the search, a 47-year-old woman’s body, her 11-year-old son and her six-year-old daughter were found lying dead in one of the rooms,” Mohlala said in a statement.

He said an axe believed to have been used to kill them was also found in the same room.

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Mohlala said the body that was found in the kitchen, was that of a twin brother of the 11-year-old boy’s body that was found alongside his mother and sister.

He further said the four-roomed house was locked from the outside raising suspicions that the killer locked them in after the gruesome murder.

“It is further alleged that the victims were last seen alive on Tuesday 21 February 2023,” Mohlala added.

Following investigations, Piet Retief police have since launched a manhunt for Thembinkosi Africa Shongwe (55) who is the father of the six-year-old daughter.

Mohlala said Shongwe cannot be located at his known address at Eziphunzini, Thandukukhanya.

“It is believed that he may be of great assistance to police investigation,” he added.

Anyone who might know the whereabouts of Shongwe is urged to contact Captain Dumisani Gumbi on 082 493 1962 or call the police Crime Stop number 08600 10111 alternatively on MYSAPSAPP.