A 32-year-old KwaZulu-Natal man has been arrested for the murder of a one-year-old child he allegedly stabbed multiple times before stabbing his mother.
Police spokesperson Lt-Col Nqobile Gwala told TimesLIVE the incident took place in the eMpumelelweni area in the north of the province.
“It is alleged the victim was stabbed multiple times and the suspect also damaged the house.
“The suspect also assaulted and stabbed his mother who sustained injuries.”
Gwala said police are investigating charges of murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The man is expected to appear in court on Friday.
Social development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza has deployed social workers to help the family cope with the trauma.
The department said the man was related to the child.
“An 18-year-old mother watched helplessly while the child was gruesomely murdered.
“It is alleged the man started being violent to the family on Sunday and could not be contained.
“This is one of the most horrifying incidents in our province and it’s hard to explain what could have led to such behavior,” said Khoza.
“It is very painful that a child had to die like this.
“As communities and families, we should ensure anyone who becomes violent should be reported to the police immediately to avoid the harm that could happen.
“Though the life of the innocent child would not be returned, we find solace that the perpetrator is behind bars.”
Elsewhere, the Kagiso Police are investigating six attempted murders and one murder after a man tried to kill a whole family before turning a gun on himself.
Kagiso Police spokesperson Captain Solomon Sibiya explained they received a call about a shooting in Swaneville at about 21:30 last Friday, March 10.
“Upon arrival they found the suspect’s ex-wife and neighbors gathered near the scene of the crime.”
The ex-wife told the police that her ex-husband allegedly jumped over the wall at the back of the property and managed to enter the home while the family was watching TV.
Once inside the house, the suspect started shooting at everyone who was in the lounge.
Six members of the family sustained gunshot wounds.
The victims were between three and 39 years old.
The suspect’s 68-year-old mother-in-law was killed and certified dead on arrival by paramedics.
The ex-husband then turned the gun on himself. Police also confirmed he has since died.
Captain Sibiya said the motive for the shooting is not known at the time but that they are continuing their investigation.
The acting Kagiso Police station commander Colonel Dorette has condemned the brutality, especially directed at defenseless women and innocent children.