Hard work by Estcourt Detectives has yielded positive results when they made a breakthrough in arresting three suspects aged between 22 and 28 years. The trio is charged with murder and attempted murder.

They appeared in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday where the matter was remanded to December 9 for a bail hearing. On November 28 at about 11.15pm residents were asleep in their house at Mimosadale, when the three suspects armed with knives and sharp instruments broke in and attacked them.

It is alleged that the suspects forced a window open and entered the house where they immediately started stabbing the occupants of the house. One victim, Khanyisile Mbatha (37), died instantly and her 65-year-old mother was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The deceased’s eight-year-old child was miraculously left unharmed. The suspects then fled the scene on foot. A case of murder and attempted murder was opened at Estcourt Police Station for further investigation.

Members of Estcourt Detective Service did not rest and started a manhunt, which resulted in the arrest of all three suspects on November 30 in Mimosadale. One of the suspect’s was arrested with assistance from the community. The motive for the incident is as yet still unclear but it may have been one of robbery.

Awaiting the appearance of the trio in court was a group of around 200 women from Mimosadale who added their voices to the campaign for No Violence Against Women and Children.