Mpumalanga police have launched a manhunt for four suspects who allegedly went on a killing spree that left five people dead on Youth Day.
Provincial police spokesperson Brig Leonard Hlathi said both incidents were linked to gang-related fights in Bushbuckridge.
In the first incident, which happened at about 2am on Wednesday, Hlathi said four people, including two teenagers, were gunned down in their home before it was set alight.
"... Police received information about a shooting incident in Madras where four family members were shot execution style by four suspects inside their RDP house. When police arrived at the scene, they found the house in flames with four victims inside lying unconscious with burn wounds in two separate rooms. The emergency services were summoned for assistance and all the victims were unfortunately certified dead," Hlathi said.
The victims have been identified as parents Martha, 53, and Eckson Five Ndlovu, 59, and sisters Lovenecia, 14, and 12-year-old Permission.
Hlathi said a 25-year-old relative survived after he managed to flee the house and alerted neighbours, who then called the police.
He said in the second incident, which occurred in Bushbuckridge, a group of about four armed suspects stormed into a house in Mandela Village.
"It is said that Caswell Maphanga, aged 25, was asleep at the time and the suspects reportedly shot at him and then burnt the house before they fled the scene.
Concerned members of the public notified relevant stakeholders about the incident and upon arrival, the firefighters extinguished the fire.
"However, Maphanga was unfortunately certified dead by the paramedics and police opened a murder case, hence the manhunt," Hlathi said.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that before the incident, Caswell's mother received a call from her other son saying there were people looking for him (the brother) and were already on their way to the house.
"The mother was reportedly at work at the time and she learnt that the suspects had already killed Caswell as well as burnt her house. A preliminary probe has revealed that these killing sprees are as a result of gangs fighting against each other.
"Police request Skhumbuzo Madalane and Bonginkosi Shakoane to come forward as they believe the duo can positively assist in the investigation.
"As a result of all these atrocious acts, police management in Mpumalanga, led by the acting provincial commissioner Maj-Gen Thulani Phahla, has motioned a 72-hour activation plan comprising all relevant disciplines with a view to track down those responsible," Hlathi said.
He urged the community help find "these heartless villains".
Hlathi said people with information that can help police in their investigation or know where Madalane and Shakoane are should call Det Lt-Col Elizabeth Bhiya on 072-015-8022 or Det Cpt Dexter Ndlovu on 082-922-9902/083-312-4305.
Members of the public can also call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP.
"All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous," Hlathi said.
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