The police in Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu Natal have made a breakthrough in the murders of five family members which happened last week Tuesday. The deceased are believed to have been killed on Tuesday evening and they were discovered at Mgodini in Edendale outside PMB on Wednesday by a family member.

KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Nentshiunda said that an axe was found next to the deceased bodies. "When police arrived at the scene, five bodies of an 85-year-old gogo, her 45-year-old daughter and her three children, 11-year-old twins and a nine-year-old were found lying in a pool of blood at their house," he said last week. Netshiunda confirmed that two men has been arrested for the murders.

Netshiunda said hardly a day after members of the Gumede family were hacked to death, police took in two persons for questioning and after thorough investigations, the two were formally charged. "Philani Shezi (39) and Siphesihle Xulu (24) appeared before the Pietermaritzburg Magistrates Court on Monday, each facing five counts of murder and another one of robbery with aggravating circumstances," Netshiunda said. Xulu abandoned his bail application whereas Shezi will know his fate on 7 February 2024 when he will make a formal bail application. Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has applauded the investigating team for a swift breakthrough and has ordered that intensive investigations must still be conducted to ensure that the suspects receive the sentence befitting their heinous act. "No stone must be left unturned in the quest for justice and if there are other suspects connected to the matter, we shall ensure that they also face the mighty arm of the law", said Mkhwanazi.