Following a particularly bloody weekend, local police are desperately searching for suspects connected to three different murder cases.
On Sunday an old man, who was busy chopping wood outside of the Vhuri Vhuri Village (Makuya policing area), discovered a human skull. Next to the skull the man also found a lady's skirt, shawl and T-shirt. The incident was reported to the local police for further investigation. "At this stage the identity, race and gender of the deceased are still unknown, but investigations by the police and its forensic unit are underway," said provincial police spokesperson Lt-Col Moatshe Ngoepe.
While busy with this investigation, the police from the Mphehu area were called in to investigate the brutal killing of an 83-year-old gogo from Matanda Village (Rabali Zone 3). According to Ngoepe, the gogo and her two granddaughters, aged seven and 13, stayed home while their niece attended church. Upon her return, the niece discovered that the house was locked. When she finally managed to gain entry to the house, she discovered her grandmother dead with multiple stab wounds all over her body. The two granddaughters were injured and had to be taken to hospital for treatment. "The motive behind the attack and killing is still unknown, but police are tracking down a possible suspect," said Ngoepe on Tuesday.
The third murder was also reported on Sunday at Khumbe Village (Vuwani policing area). Police were asked to investigate after the partly burnt body of an unknown man was discovered under a tree near the village. According to the police the man, who seems to be in his 30s, was also missing his right foot. "Only a post-mortem will determine if we are dealing with a ritual-related murder," said Ngoepe.
The public are urged to assist the police with their investigations and identify the unknown victims. Anyone with information is requested to contact Col William Ramokhubedu at 082 499 8389 or their nearest police station, the Crime Stop Number 08600 10111 or to send a SMS to 32211.