JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 15, (Xinhua/GNA) — The South African police have launched a manhunt for suspects, after seven family members were killed in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, police said on Friday.
In a statement, the police confirmed that the victims, including three children, were shot dead by unknown gunmen on Wednesday night in the Hlokozi area of Highflats in the province. “Police responded swiftly to reports of gunshots and, upon arrival, discovered the bodies of three women, aged 35, 38 and 55, a 48-year-old man, and three children, aged 5, 11 and 12, all lying in a pool of blood in their living room,” the statement said. “Early indications suggest a possible link to family feuds or business-related tensions, but investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind this gruesome crime,” it added.
South African Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu. expressed his deepest condolences, saying, “We are shocked and saddened by the murder of seven members of one family in KwaZulu-Natal. These senseless, inhumane and callous murders have left an entire community reeling.” The police are committed to ending such violence, Mchunu added.
“We will spare no effort in bringing the culprits to justice, and we have already made headway in our investigations. I want to assure the family and the public that all resources will be mobilized to hold those responsible accountable, and to restore safety in Highflats,” he said.
The police in KwaZulu-Natal have assembled a task force to investigate the killings and arrest the suspects.
GNA