TWO men who are linked to the murder of five family members appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrates Court on Monday, 22 January.
The two suspects, Philani Shezi (39) and Siphesihle Xulu (24), are facing five counts of murder and another one of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Accused two, Xulu decided to abandon his bail application while accused one, Shezi will make his bail application when the matter returns to court on 7 February.
Their arrest comes after five bodies belonging to gogo Thoko Gumede (85), Fikile Gumede (47), Olwethu Gumede (11), Okwethu Gumede (11) and Ziyanda Gumede (9) were discovered.
They were found on Wednesday, 17 January by a relative who arrived at their home in Mgodini Village in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg to look for them. It's suspected that they were killed on Tuesday, 16 January.
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They were all hacked to death with a panga. Following this, cops took in two men for questioning and after thorough investigations, the two suspects were formally charged.
The KZN provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi applauded the investigating team for a swift breakthrough and has ordered that intensive investigations must still be conducted to ensure the suspects receive the sentence befitting their heinous act.
"The swift arrest of the suspects is commendable. We applaud the investigating team for the quick turnaround time in making this notable progress. 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.
