Staff Reporter
Free State police have launched a manhunt for an unknown number of assailants believed to be behind the killing of a family of five at Toekoms Farm just outside Harrismith.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Sam Makhele said in a statement the gruesome killing was discovered by a traditional healer who visited the family on Saturday morning.
The traditional healer, according to Makhele, had an appointment with the family.
“On arrival apparently the traditional healer noticed that the door was not locked,” said Makhele.
“He knocked on the door but there was no answer. He waited outside for a while and when he saw that no one was coming he pushed the door and saw a hand protruding from (behind) the sitting room door,” he added.
The man then alerted the neighbour and the police were informed.
On arrival the police found the body of a man aged about 47 with multiple wounds to the body and another one of a woman aged about 41 lying next to him.
She also multiple wounds to the body.
A boy aged about 16 was also found killed in the same room as well as a girl aged about eight.
The two children also had stab wounds to the body.
In the other bedroom police found the body of a male aged about 23, lying on the floor with stab wounds to the body.
“The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage and no one has been arrested,” added the police spokesperson.
The matter has been handed over to the Provincial Organised Crime team for further investigation.
Makhele said anyone with information should please contact Detective Captain Boy Makubo on 0823323418 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Information can also be shared anonymously via MySAPS App.
