Five men suspected of killing three members of their own family have handed themselves over to police in Ngcobo.
Mthatha police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela said they would be charged with murder. Their ages ranged from 26 to 30 and three were closely related to the victims.
Police had earlier taken in a 35-year-old man for questioning after the murders of Nodoli Mzuku, 77, her sister Nokulunga Mzuku, 73, and Nodoli’s son, Mzwamadoda Matiwane, 46, at Ndlunkulu village in Ngcobo.
Fatyela said the motive for the murders was believed to be related to witchcraft.
“The man who was earlier held for questioning on Monday has been released,” said Fatyela.
The grisly triple murder came after two women, aged 68 and 56, were stabbed at their homes in Lusikisiki last week.
In all cases the victims had been accused of witchcraft. This brings witchcraft related murders to 13 since last year. A local chief, Daluxolo Sandile, said this was the first incident of its nature in the area.
“We urge people not to avenge this incident. This has shocked us. The justice department must not disappoint us by releasing the suspects,” said Sandile.
Family spokesman Mlindo Mzuku said: “We are hurt. Worst of all, the suspected killers are ours. But we urge cool heads and pleaded with everyone not to allow elements of revenge.”
The five are to appear in the Ngcobo Magistrate’s Court soon.
Five murder suspects surrender
Mthatha police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela said they would be charged with murder. Their ages ranged from 26 to 30 and three were closely related to the victims.
Police had earlier taken in a 35-year-old man for questioning after the murders of Nodoli Mzuku, 77, her sister Nokulunga Mzuku, 73, and Nodoli’s son, Mzwamadoda Matiwane, 46, at Ndlunkulu village in Ngcobo.
Fatyela said the motive for the murders was believed to be related to witchcraft.
“The man who was earlier held for questioning on Monday has been released,” said Fatyela.
The grisly triple murder came after two women, aged 68 and 56, were stabbed at their homes in Lusikisiki last week.
In all cases the victims had been accused of witchcraft. This brings witchcraft related murders to 13 since last year. A local chief, Daluxolo Sandile, said this was the first incident of its nature in the area.
“We urge people not to avenge this incident. This has shocked us. The justice department must not disappoint us by releasing the suspects,” said Sandile.
Family spokesman Mlindo Mzuku said: “We are hurt. Worst of all, the suspected killers are ours. But we urge cool heads and pleaded with everyone not to allow elements of revenge.”
The five are to appear in the Ngcobo Magistrate’s Court soon.
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