LIMPOPO – The Ritavi police in the Mopani district are on the hunt for a male suspect in connection with the brutal killing of a baby boy (one year and eight-month-old) and the attempted murder of his wife and mother-in-law.
The incident is said to have taken place during a ceremony at a neighbour’s house on Saturday night (September 14) in the Lusaka village.
Preliminary information suggests the suspect arrived at the ceremony wielding an axe and allegedly attacked his mother-in-law (57) who had the baby (her grandson) on her back.
“The suspect then attacked her twice in the back with the axe and injured both the baby and the old woman. He then proceeded to his wife (34) and hacked her forehead with the axe and fled the scene,” a statement reads.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the police and emergency services were notified and the victims were transported to a local hospital where the baby died.
“The female victims were admitted with serious injuries. The police opened cases of murder, attempted murder and assault GBH. The motive behind the incident is unknown, but domestic violence related issues cannot be ruled out,” he says.
The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe strongly condemned the incident. “Situations like this leave us feeling very disappointed because we address gender based violence and domestic violence issues on a daily basis. I’m pleading with couples in relationships to seek professional help when experiencing marital and relationship issues,” Hadebe says.
Anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts is urged to contact the investigating officer Warrant Officer Jonas Shikwambana on 082 319 9699, the crime stop number on 08600 10111, at the nearest police station or via the MySAPSApp.
For more breaking news follow us on Facebook Twitter Instagram or join our WhatsApp group
