LOMAHASHA – A domestic dispute that allegedly spiralled out of control has left the Matfuntini community at Enjungwini reeling in shock after a father reportedly killed his two young children before taking his own life
Police have since opened two murder cases and an inquest following the discovery of the bodies of 11-year-old Cedusizi Shabangu and his eight-year-old sister, Phumlile Shabangu, alongside that of their father, Musa Maphoba Sicwangulane Shabangu (44), who was found hanging from a tree a short distance away.
The grim discovery, which has plunged the Lomahasha community into mourning, was made at about 3pm in a secluded veld approximately 1.5 kilometres from the family home.
According to information gathered from police and relatives, the body of the young boy was first discovered lying beneath a tree with a rope around its neck. A few metres away, the body of his younger sister was also found under similar distressing circumstances. A further search of the area led to the discovery of their father, who was found hanging from a tree nearby.
Police later cordoned off the area as forensic teams and investigators commenced their work at the scene.
By yesterday, preliminary investigations suggested that the incident may have been triggered by a long-running domestic dispute within the family, although police had not yet officially confirmed the motive as investigations continue.
Relatives and community members have alleged that the tragedy is linked to a history of domestic conflict between the deceased man and a family member.
Family sources claimed that Musa had been abusive towards his wife and children for some time, a situation which reportedly forced the mother to flee the family home weeks before the incident.
It is alleged that tensions escalated nearly a month ago when the deceased man allegedly assaulted his wife during a domestic argument. Following the incident, the woman reportedly sought medical attention at a nearby facility, where she was advised that a police report was required before treatment could proceed due to the nature of her injuries.
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