KwaZulu-Natal: Police in KwaZulu-Natal have detained a 33-year-old man accused of brutally murdering five of his family members in a stabbing attack that also left two others seriously injured.

According to South African Government News Agency, the tragic event unfolded on Saturday evening at the suspect’s residence in the Bethany area of Bergville. Reports from the local police indicate that the violence erupted shortly after the suspect and his uncle returned from a visit to their neighbors. Upon entering the living room, the suspect allegedly found his mother with other family members and, without apparent provocation, began his assault with a knife.

Authorities detailed a chilling sequence of events: after stabbing his mother, who managed to escape outdoors despite her injuries, the suspect then fatally attacked his uncle in the house’s passage as he attempted to flee. The rampage continued as the suspect turned on two young children, girls aged two and six, killing them both. He also murdered a woman l
iving with a disability and another elderly woman who was visiting the family.

The police statement highlighted the survival of the suspect’s mother and a four-year-old girl, both of whom sustained multiple stab wounds but survived. The suspect’s sister was able to escape the horrifying scene with her one-year-old baby. Officials noted that the exact ages of all victims are pending confirmation.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect had a history of domestic violence allegations, though all previous charges had been voluntarily withdrawn. The man is scheduled to make a court appearance at the Bergville Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.