KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Mrs Nonhlanhla Khoza, is extremely disturbed and disheartened by the brutal murder of sexagenarians on Monday.

It is alleged that a man accosted his family at Sonweni village, Umhlabuyalingana, northern KwaZulu-Natal, then brutally hacked his biological mother with a bush knife.

After killing his mother, the man aged 38 walked to a nearby homestead and hacked his aunt to death. It's alleged that the aunt had tried to intervene after hearing cries and pleas for help.

The information that led to the brutal attack is still sketchy, but it is believed that the perpetrator had an altercation with his mother before hacking her to death.

"We are shocked by the extent of violence directed to vulnerable people. Young people are supposed to be the ones who protect the elderly. However, it is disgusting that pain is inflicted by the same young people who are supposed to protect our senior citizens," said MEC Khoza.

She commended swift response by the law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrator was immediately arrested.

This is the second gruesome incident in the area. In December, a matriculant learner was allegedly hacked to death by a neighbour using the modus operandi. The girl was waiting for her matric exam results.

“These disgusting incidents in the area calls for vigorou action between the community, government and different sectors. We want to see all vicious men serving years in prison. These killers do not deserve bail. Although we subscribe to the principle of innocence until proven otherwise, the justice system must be seen to be doing its level best to deal with injustices directed to women and children," she said.

MEC Khoza cited that the arrest of women and children killers restored confidence of the people in the law enforcement agencies.

MEC Khoza has dispatched a team of social workers to visit the Khumalo family to provide psycho-social support.

She further sent her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and promised that the team of social workers would support the family even beyond the funerals to ensure they provide much needed support during this difficult time.

ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT