The police in Pietermaritzburg (PMB) in KwaZulu Natal have launched a massive manhunt for suspects who brutally murdered five family members. The deceased, who are believed to have been killed on Tuesday evening were discovered at Mgodini in Edendale, outside PMB this afternoon by a family member who had gone to for a visit and knocked several times at the door without a response.

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said 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. "All victims had sustained fatal head injuries, and a blood-stained axe was found at the scene" he said.

Netshiunda said that the motive for the killings is unknown at this stage. "Police are appealing to anyone who might have information which may assist in the investigation or about the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the nearest police station or call the crime stop number 08600 10111."