Grandmother and three children killed in Piet Retief

A 71-year-old grandmother and three young children, aged three, eight and 10, were killed in Mkhondo (formerly Piet Retief) on June 15.

Another victim (22) survived the attack and is fighting for her life in hospital.

She sustained gunshot wounds to her stomach.

According to police reports, a family member returned home after going to the shops and noticed the radio inside the house was playing very loud, which was unusual.

He knocked on the door, but with no response he broke it to gain entry.

He reportedly found the lifeless bodies of his relatives inside the house.

A paramedic declared the grandmother and three children dead on the scene.

A 32-year-old suspect has in the meantime been arrested shortly after the incident, and will appear in the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on June 19.

During his arrest, a firearm believed to have been used in the crime was confiscated for further investigation.

Vusi Shogwe, MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, condemned the incident.

“This senseless acts of terror must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We cannot afford to constantly lose lives like this. What is even more painful, is that defenseless children are murdered by those who are supposed to protect them,” Shongwe said.

He applauded the police for swiftly bringing the suspect to book. He further called on the police to also investigate how the suspect obtained the firearm.

Shongwe extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and residents of Mkhondo. He wished a speedy recovery to the injured victim.