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An Eastern Cape man has been arrested for allegedly using an axe to kill four people, believed to be his relatives, at their Lusikisiki homestead.
According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, the suspect was apprehended on Thursday evening in the France area in connection with the murder of four family members. A five-year-old was one of the victims.
On Thursday at around 19:00, the 24-year-old man assaulted the family with an axe, said Kinana.
The four victims who ranged in age from 5 to 69, died at the scene. Kinana stated that one victim was able to flee the assault.
“Police were alerted to the incident by members of the local community and one eyewitness who escaped the ordeal unharmed,” he said.
Kinana added that the motive for the murders is unknown.
“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,” he said.
Eastern Cape Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta said the department welcomed the swift arrest.
“We equally deplore this senseless killing and hope that the justice system will mete out the severest of punishment. Our social workers are readily on track to offer professional psycho-social support to all affected by this gruesome act,” Fana said.
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