A man from Soshanguve Block KK also known as Jukulyn, north of Pretoria, is sought by police after his girlfriend (33) was stabbed and murdered, and his two step children (aged 12 and 16) wounded during a horrific attack on Saturday.

The children are fighting for their lives in the George Mukhari Hospital after being beaten to a pulp after witnessing their mother being stabbed multiple times, allegedly by their stepfather. It is said the children were attacked with a hammer.

The man has reportedly vanished and his whereabouts are unknown.

While police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder, this gruesome incident has sent shockwaves through the community.

According to reports, the injured 16-year-old daughter phoned her aunt to seek help.

The 12-year-old girl was lying on the floor – unconscious – before the community and the other family members broke into the house to rescue them.

The mother was found lying in a pool of blood with hands tied, a knife besides her and with multiple stab wounds.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo says the deceased was discovered inside the house and a case of murder and attempted murder is being investigated.

“The girls were taken to a medical care centre after they sustained injuries,” Masondo adds.

He says the police are searching for the boyfriend.

“Police received a complaint of murder and attempted murder in Soshanguve on Saturday morning. Upon arrival at the scene, police found a woman with stab wounds to the upper body, inside the house.”

She was certified dead on the scene.

Masondo says the motive for the murder and attempted murder cannot be confirmed at this stage, and the investigation continues.

A family member who requested to remain anonymous, called on the suspect to surrender himself to the police.

“The family is deeply hurt and angered by this gruesome murder and act of violence. The suspect should hand himself over so that we as a family can get closure.”