A 22-year-old woman is fighting for her life in hospital after surviving an ambush on her family on Thursday at around 6 pm. The woman from Piet Retief in Mpumalanga was with her four other family members at home when a man allegedly shot and killed her relatives. Her 71-year-old grandmother, and three other relatives aged 10,8 and 3 died on the scene. 

GRUESOME DISCOVERY 

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said according to reports, a family member who had left home to purchase food was greeted by the gruesome scene when he came back from the shop. "When he returned, he noticed the radio inside was unusually loud. After knocking at the door without a response, he then broke it to gain entry. Once inside, he reportedly met the suspect, who is a family member, in possession of a firearm," Mdhlili said. The lifeless body of his grandmother and his sister who was still alive was laying on the floor. The bodies of three children were found in separate bedrooms. "Some cartridges, as well as ammunition, were found by the police at the scene. Immediately after the incident, police in Piet Retief worked with speed under the leadership of the provincial commissioner whereby the suspect was arrested and charged accordingly," said Mdhluli.

ALLEGEDLY KILLED BY ONE OF THEIR OWN

It is alleged that a 32-year-old man behind the killings is the grandson of the murdered gogo and has since been arrested. Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC for Community Safety,  Vusi Shongwe, expressed frustration over these senseless killings and extended his condolences to the deceased's family, and sent well wishes to the survivor. "We cannot afford to constantly lose lives like this. What is even more painful is that defenceless children are murdered by those who are supposed to protect them. We are once more appealing to families to seek help and utilise services of government social workers, which are readily available in all areas in the province," said Shongwe. The suspect will appear at the Piet Retief Magistrate court on Monday.