The community of Estcourt has been rocked to the core by a horrifying murder that happened yesterday morning (August 6) in the kwaSobabili area, Ward 14. A 78-year-old man was hacked to death with an axe.

According to reports, a 25-year-old went to his neighbour’s homestead, picked up an axe lying on the ground and approached the elderly man before fatally attacking him. It is alleged that the 25-year-old suffers from a mental health condition and had defaulted on his psychiatric medication.

Speaking to the Estcourt News, Ward Councillor Saziso Shabalala confirmed the incident.

What is even more shocking is that, after killing the old man, the alleged murderer returned to his own home and attacked a sleeping three-year-old child.

“The baby was found lying on the floor and unresponsive. We feared the worst and thought the child had died,” said Shabalala. “Fortunately, when the child was rushed to hospital, it was discovered that he had fainted. He was in a critical condition and was immediately transferred to a hospital in Ladysmith. We suspect the child may have been thrown against the wall.”

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As if that wasn’t enough, the suspect reportedly left his home and went on to assault a 44-year-old woman with a knobkerrie, leaving her seriously injured. The woman was treated at a clinic in Ntabamhlophe.

Police were notified and the suspect was apprehended.

This disturbing attack follows a similarly violent incident in the Emabhalonini area on June 30, where two men were brutally killed, leaving the local community reeling in shock and disbelief.

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