It is alleged the crimes were committed during the early hours of Saturday morning, December 30, around midnight. According to preliminary information, the police were notified of the murder by Willows Clinic. Upon arrival, they found a 37-year-old woman with stab wounds in her neck. “According to the information available, the victim, before she passed away, told her sister that she and her daughter were stabbed by the suspect who is also alleged to be a prophet.

The daughter of the deceased (20) was found in the lounge half naked with a stab wound on the neck with signs of being raped. She was also certified dead. Upon searching the house, the 5-year-old younger brother was found tied with tape in his room,” said Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, provincial spokesperson. A preliminary investigation was conducted, resulting in the suspect being traced to his girlfriend’s place in The Oaks.

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“He was not found at the time but was tracked to a hitchhiking spot along the road. He was arrested and detained at the Hoedspruit Police Station,” he said. The motive behind the killing is unknown at this stage. “However, it is alleged that the 37-year-old woman used to consult the suspect since he was practicing as a prophet,” added Mashaba. The provincial commissioner of police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the swift apprehension of the suspect following the harrowing ordeal.

“We commend the police for reacting promptly to arrest the suspect masquerading as a prophet. Men tormenting and killing women must be isolated and subjected to a criminal justice system. “This will send a strong warning that anyone who torments women and children, irrespective of their social standing in society, will be dealt with accordingly,” said Hadebe. The police investigation is ongoing, and the suspect, at the time of going to print, was expected to appear in the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court on January 15.