The police in Limpopo have launched a manhunt for a man who allegedly hacked a 20-month-old baby to death and injured his wife and mother-in-law with an axe. The two women were attending a ceremony at their neighbour's house on Saturday when they were attacked. The incident took place at Lusaka village in Mopani.

MURDER MISSION

SAPS Limpopi spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said preliminary information suggests that the suspect arrived at the ceremony and started to attack his mother-in-law, aged 57, who was carrying a baby boy on her back. "The baby is the woman's grandson. The suspect then attacked her twice at the back with an axe and injured both the baby and the old woman. He then proceeded to his wife, aged 34, and hacked her on the forehead with the axe, and thereafter fled the scene, "said Ledwaba. He said police were notified together with emergency medical services personnel who rushed to the scene. "The victims were transported to the local hospital, but unfortunately, the child lost his life upon arrival. The female victims were admitted with serious injuries."

MOTIVE UNKOWN 

Ledwaba said the motive behind the incident is currently unknown, but domestic violence-related issues cannot be ruled out. He said the police opened cases of murder, attempted murder, and assault GBH. The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, strongly condemned the incident. "Situations like this leave us feeling very disappointed because we address gender-based violence and domestic violence issues on a daily basis. I'm pleading with you couples in relationships to seek professional help in time when you experience marital and relationship issues," said Lieutenant General Hadebe. Police appeal to anyone with information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspect to contact investigating officer Warrant Officer Jonas Shikwambana on 082 319 9699 or crime stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest police station or use MySAPSApp.