Three teenagers hacked to death

Three teenagers were hacked to death in Etwatwa in the early hours of October 2.

Etwatwa SAPS communications officer Capt Pheello Mothapo said nine youngsters, aged from 17 to 18, were in an Etwatwa home in Emaphupheni when three adults, one of whom was armed, entered the house.

The teenagers were divided into groups of four and five.

Mothapo said the group of five had their hands tied with cable ties and were instructed to go outside.

The spokesperson said the four remaining youths were left inside the home, while the other five were taken outside, where a group of adult community members had gathered, wielding knives, pangas and spades.

“The five were instructed to go to the railway line,” said Mothapo.

He said two of the victims untied themselves and ran away.

The two notified the police, who later discovered the bodies of the three who were unable to flee at the railway line.

The four teenagers who were left in the house were unharmed.

Mothapo said police at this stage do not know the motive behind the crime, but that police are investigating.

A case of murder has been opened.

Anyone with information about the crime can contact the Etwatwa Police Station on 011 746 8900.