The decapitated heads of a Mid-Illovo mother and daughter were discovered in an abandoned pit toilet after they were brutally attacked on Wednesday. A man has since been arrested for the crimes.

Katherine Mathithi Mkhize (87) and Celiwe Janet Mkhize (39) were attacked at their home by someone known to them.

According to Umgungundlovu District police spokesperson Sergeant Sifiso Gwala the two women were first shot before they were beheaded.

“They were shot in the yard at their home. This incident occurred in front of a 12-year-old child who then ran to the neighbouring house to report the incident.

“When the police arrived, they found both bodies lying in the yard without heads. A search was then conducted at the home,” he said.

Gwala said the search led police to a pit toilet the family was no longer using.

“There were blood stains in front of the pit toilet. They used a torch to search inside the toilet and that is where they discovered the two heads, which were later identified as belonging to the deceased.

“A bush knife which was also covered in blood, was found next to the toilet.”

Gwala said a 54-year-old suspect fled the scene after the incident, however, he was arrested later the same day with the help of the private security companies and Mid Illovo detectives.

“He was also found in possession of an unlicensed firearm. He will appear in the Richmond Magistrate’s Court soon.”