President Jacob Zuma has strongly condemned the ruthless killing of six girls and two women in Embangweni village, near Greytown in KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday night.
“Such outrageous and inhuman action against defenceless women is a gross violation of the right to human life, as enshrined in the Constitution. I am deeply dismayed by this heartless and inexplicable cruelty,” said President Zuma on Thursday
Eight members from two separate Sibiya family homes, approximately 100m away from each, other were brutally murdered.
“Five Sibiya family members were inside the rondavel when gunshots were heard. Community members checked and saw that the house on fire. Attempts were made to rescue them. Unfortunately the fire was uncontrollable. All five family members, a 60-year-old woman with four children aged between two and 16, died at the scene,” KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said.
One hundred metres away from the first scene, another Sibiya family home was set on fire. A 58-year-old woman died at the scene. Three children sustained burn wounds and were rushed to hospital. Two of them succumbed to their injuries.
Gwala said the motive of the attack is not yet known. Eight counts of murder and one count of attempted murder were opened at Amatimatolo SAPS for investigation.
Police are on the search for the killers and have called on anyone with information to come forward and assist.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa, has condemned the attack on the family.
The President extended his condolences to the families and relatives of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He reiterated that violence against women has been declared a priority crime by government. He said all forms of violence against women, children and the elderly should never be tolerated in society.
“Many perpetrators are being caught and are given long jail terms because of the cooperation of the public by coming forward with information.”
President Zuma appealed to the community to help the police with information so that those responsible can be found and face the law.
He urged the law enforcement agencies to work around the clock to ensure that those responsible for the criminal act are brought to justice and face the full might of the law. – SAnews.gov.za
