No arrests in the gruesome murders of Free State family
Police in the Free State have appealed to the public to assist them with an investigation into the gruesome murders of five family members on Toekoms farm, outside Harrismith.
A traditional healer who had an appointment with the family made the gruesome discovery on Saturday.
"On arrival apparently the traditional healer noticed that the door was not locked,” said provincial police spokesperson Motantsi Makhele.
“He knocked on the door but there was no answer. He waited outside for a while and when he saw that no one was coming he pushed the door and saw a hand protruding from the sitting-room door. He went to alert the neighbor and the police were informed.
"On arrival, the police found the body of a man aged about 46 with multiple wounds to the body, the woman aged about 41 was found lying next to him, also with multiple wounds to the body.
“The children, a boy aged about 17 and a girl aged about 6 were also found in the same room, both with stab wounds to the body.”
Makhele said the police found a third body in another room - a 20-year-old man lying on the floor with stab wounds.
The police have released the names of the deceased.
The deceased, Mgwenika John Twala- father ( 46), Sonto Selina Maloka-mother (41), Zama Maloka- son (20), Mfanafuthi Justine Maloka- son (17), and Nompumelelo Emily Maloka (6).
Makhele says they suspect Nompumelelo was also strangled.
He said police are appealing to anyone who knows or might have any information related to these murders to come forward.
At this stage, the motive for the murders is unknown.
ALSO READ:
