Three family members stand accused of killing an 18-year-old learner outside Hazyview in Mpumalanga.

According to the provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the deceased, Andile Sambo (18), who was a Grade 10 learner at Bhekiswako Secondary School, was allegedly assaulted by his aunt and three other family members at their house in Numbi Trust.

“They alleged that he broke a window and stole a T-shirt. The deceased was allegedly then assaulted with wooden lock and a sjambok on his head and body. He was subsequently taken to Phola Nsikazi Clinic for medical treatment where he was certified dead,” explained Mohlala.

He said after investigation, police arrested the trio, Gladys Mashabane (51), Skholiwe Mbuyane (27) and Sandiso Mbuyane (26).

They would be applying for formal bail on Friday in the Masoyi Periodical Court.

Mohlala said that they are looking for one more suspect who went on the run after the incident.

The Mpumalanga police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has condemned the incident.