A mother and her 12-year-old son were killed in a brutal attack at their home on Arabian Road in Glenwood, Pietermaritzburg, early this morning.

The attack occurred at around 07:00 when the woman and her two children were at home.

According to reports, an unidentified man entered the house and fatally shot the mother and her son. The woman’s six-year-old child was in a bedroom at the time and is believed to have witnessed the horrific attack.

It is understood that the woman’s husband was not at home when the tragedy unfolded, as he had left earlier to open their tuck shop in Panorama Gardens.

The Glenwood community is reeling from the devastating loss. Neighbours described the mother as a kind and warm individual who was always friendly.

“She was such a sweet woman who always carried a smile. Their children would play with ours, and she always stopped to greet and chat. This is heartbreaking. Our country has truly gone to the dogs,” one neighbour told The Witness at the scene.

Police are investigating the murders, and no arrests have been made.