Cape Town — Police in Ritavi, Limpopo, launched a large-scale manhunt for a male suspect who had allegedly brutally murdered an 18-month-old baby, and also attempted to kill his wife and mother-in-law.
In a statement, police said the suspect had allegedly tried to hack them with an axe as they attended a ceremony at the neighbour’s house this past weekend.
Preliminary reports suggest that the suspect arrived at the ceremony and began attacking his mother-in-law (57) while she was carrying the baby on her back.
“The suspect then attacked her twice in the back with an axe and injured both the baby and the elderly woman. He then proceeded to his wife, aged 34, and hacked her on the forehead with the axe, and thereafter fled the scene,” Police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said.
#sapsLIM #SAPS Ritavi in Mopani district have launched massive manhunt for a male suspect who attempted to kill his wife, and mother-in-law, killing an 18-months-old baby boy with an axe in the process at Ritavi on 14/09, while they attended a ceremony at their neighbours at Lusaka… pic.twitter.com/BAQq11fFvf
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 16, 2024
Ledwaba added that police notified emergency services who transported the victims to a local hospital. The baby boy succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, while the two females were admitted with serious injuries. Police have opened cases of murder, attempted murder, and assault to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
“The motive behind the incident is currently unknown however, domestic violence-related issues cannot be ruled out,” Ledwaba said.
Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, strongly condemned the incident and said she was disappointed as the country faces gender-based violence and domestic violence issues daily.
“I’m pleading with you couples in relationships to seek professional help in time when you experience marital and relationship issues,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
