NATIONAL NEWS - On September 30, Phoenix police officers received a report of murder on Solly Mathe Road in Mount Royal, Durban.
Provincial police spokesman, Brig Jay Naicker, said, “They proceeded to the scene where they found the body of a 34-year-old woman. She had been hacked to death with a bush knife by a man, who was known to her.
Her two-year-old child was also injured and passed away while receiving medical attention. A bush knife was found at the scene.”
The suspect had fled the scene into the nearby thicket before police officers arrived. Charges of murder were opened for investigation at Phoenix SAPS.
Local police together with the K9 Unit conducted a manhunt for the suspect, this week.
“Police worked tirelessly throughout the night searching for the man involved in the gruesome murders. In the middle of the night, the suspect was spotted sneaking back into the house. He was placed under arrest and was found wearing a bloodied shirt. Police seized his shirt for further investigation. The victims have not been identified by their next-of-kin. The 62-year-old suspect is in police custody and will appear before the Verulam Magistrate’s Court soon,” he confirmed.
Acting KZN provincial commissioner, Maj Gen Thulani Gonya, commended all involved in the apprehension of the suspect, accused of gender-based violence.
“I am glad that the police officers carried out their duties above and beyond by working around the clock to arrest the suspect,” said Maj Gen Gonya.