North West Police Launch Manhunt After Three People Killed In Brutal Spade Attack
NORTH WEST – A major manhunt is underway in the North West after three people were found murdered in what police have described as a brutal attack.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West has issued an urgent appeal to the public to help locate a man wanted in connection with the killings. The suspect, who was known to the victims, is believed to have fled the scene after the incident. His cellphone was reportedly recovered at the crime scene.
The Victims
According to information provided by police and community sources, the deceased are a young woman, her sister, and her sister’s boyfriend.
The three were living together at the time of the incident. The wanted man is said to be the boyfriend of one of the sisters and had been staying with them at their shared residence.
Police were called to the house after neighbours raised the alarm. Upon arrival, officers found the bodies of the three victims. It is alleged that they were attacked and killed with a garden spade.
The motive for the attack has not yet been confirmed and is still under investigation. Police have not ruled out a domestic dispute as a possible factor.
The names of the victims are being withheld until their extended families have been formally notified and a formal identification process has been completed. Police say a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Suspect On The Run
The suspect is described as a man wearing a bandage on his head and something around his neck. He is considered dangerous and police have warned members of the public not to approach him if they see him.
In a statement, North West police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of the suspect to come forward. He was last seen fleeing the area after the incident. We believe he may still be in the province or attempting to cross to a neighbouring province.”
A key piece of evidence recovered is the suspect’s own mobile phone, which was found at the scene. Police forensic teams have taken the phone for analysis. Investigators hope that data from the device will help them track his movements and contacts since the murders.
Photos of the suspect have been circulated on social media, and police have asked community members to share information through official channels rather than taking the law into their own hands.
Community In Shock
The triple murder has left the local community in shock and fear. Residents in the area described the victims as quiet and friendly people who kept to themselves.
One community member, who asked not to be named, said: “We woke up to police vans everywhere. We never thought something like this could happen here. We are all scared because the person who did this is still out there.”
Ward councillors and community policing forums have called for calm and have urged residents to work with police. Patrols have been increased in the area following the incident.
The case has once again put the spotlight on domestic violence and violent crime in South Africa. Activists have called for more resources to be allocated to early intervention in domestic disputes, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas of the North West.
Police Appeal
SAPS has urged anyone with information to contact their nearest police station, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or contact the investigating officer directly. All information will be treated confidentially, and anonymous tip-offs are welcome.
Police have also advised that sharing graphic images of the crime scene on social media is a criminal offence and causes additional trauma to the families of the victims. They have asked the public to refrain from circulating such images.
The suspect is expected to face three counts of murder once arrested. He will also face additional charges depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Police say they are following several leads and are confident that an arrest will be made soon.
Anyone who sees the suspect is asked not to confront him but to immediately contact SAPS.