A 48-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly killing his girlfriend, attacking her two daughters, and raping one of them during a violent incident at Shanelweni Reserve in the Ngome policing area this morning (Thursday).

Sisters woken by horror

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the 13-year-old girl was asleep with her 28-year-old sister when she was woken by a noise at about 01:00. “She saw her mother’s boyfriend hacking her sister with an axe. When she tried to help, the suspect turned on her, stopped the assault and dragged her outside,” he said.

Suspect allegedly sets room on fire

As the teenager was being dragged away, she noticed smoke coming from the room where her mother was sleeping. Police believe the suspect set the room alight before taking the 13-year-old to nearby bushes, where he allegedly raped her.

Rapid police response leads to arrest

Vryheid K9 Unit members and Hlobane police responded immediately after receiving the report and launched a joint operation. “Their swift action led to the suspect being arrested a few hours later in the KwaMnyathi area,” Netshiunda confirmed.

Man faces multiple charges

The suspect has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and rape, and is expected to appear in the Louwsburg Magistrate’s Court on tomorrow (Friday).

Police praise quick action

Police have commended the coordinated effort of the responding officers, saying their quick work prevented the suspect from fleeing the area.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.