East London police have launched a manhunt for the killers of a nine-month pregnant woman and her husband in their home in Reeston.
This follows after the couple had reportedly laid a criminal complaint against a suspect who allegedly raped their 18-year-old daughter living with disability.
The couple were discovered with gunshot wounds inside their home on Monday last week.
According to provincial police spokesperson Brig Nobuntu Gantana, the woman, who was due to give birth in August, was found lying outside the kitchen door with two gunshot wounds to the thigh and one to the stomach.
Her husband was found lying facedown behind the kitchen door inside with two bullet wounds to the chest and one to the neck.
“At this stage, the motive for the attack remains unknown,” Gantana said.
“Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in the investigation.”
She said the police strongly condemned the senseless act of violence and that all necessary resources were being used to ensure justice was served.
On Tuesday, the family conducted a prayer session at the home.
The family declined to comment.
On Tuesday, provincial social development MEC Bukiwe Fanta visited the grieving family and extended her heartfelt condolences, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
“Words cannot express the heartbreak felt by this community and the pain experienced by the families involved.
“The brutal killing of this couple is a stark reminder of the violence that pervades our society, especially against those who stand up for their loved ones,” she said.
Fanta linked the murder to the reported case of rape.
According to social development, the couple had recently filed a police report against one of their employees who they accused of raping their daughter.
Fanta said pursuing justice for their child had been met with unimaginable violence, which she described as an act of cowardice.
“No-one should have to pay for seeking justice, especially in cases as heinous as this.
“We must create an environment where victims and their families feel safe and supported in coming forward,” she said.
Fanta said it was necessary to protect victims and their families from retaliation.
“In light of this tragedy, we must urgently address the systemic failures that allow such violence to occur.
“It is imperative that law enforcement agencies enhance their protective measures for families who report crimes of this nature,” she said.
Fanta said the social development department would be providing immediate support to the victims’ family.
“We are committed to ensuring that this family receives the emotional and psychological support they need during this incredibly difficult time.
“Our social workers will be available to assist them and provide ongoing counselling,” she said.
Children’s rights and anti-GBV activist Petros Majola said the situation created a tense environment where people might be reluctant to report ongoing crime.
“People are losing trust in police because of similar events like this occurring and left unsolved. This shows that changes are needed to make people feel safe again.”
Majola said the reluctance to report crimes came from a loss of confidence in the justice system.
He also called for cases involving incidents of gender-based violence to be prioritised, referring to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call on all South Africans to stand up against GBV at the national Women’s Day commemoration.
The couple will be laid to rest in eSbangwini location in Mthatha.
Daily Dispatch
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