GUBHUZA, St Faiths — The rural community of Gubhuza near Port Shepstone is in shock after a grandmother, Rose Mncibi, and her grandson, Sbonelo Mncibi, were found murdered at their homestead. The two suspects, who are the sons of a woman who had fled the area months earlier, have been arrested and reportedly confessed to the crime.

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In an emotional interview, the mother of the accused revealed that she had run away in July with four other children, leaving behind the two now charged with murder, because she feared for her life. She described a household marked by tension and violence, saying that she and the children she took with her left “without even bathing” and stayed in a leaky house, believing it was safer than remaining at home.

The mother said she does not know why her sons committed the murders. “It is very painful because they killed my brother,” she said, breaking down in tears. She described the elder of the accused as having been respectful before he began resenting her. She also recalled a previous incident in which her sons had beaten two local boys who were wanted by police, but she maintains she did not know about any killings before this tragedy.

Mother Claims Graves Dug on Compound By Suspects

Disturbingly, the boys had dug multiple graves in the yard before the murders, claiming they wanted to put chickens in them. The mother insists she was not involved in the killings and that the crime happened after she had left.

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The suspects are aged 24 and 20. Police say they were hiding near Hlokozi before being apprehended, with one initially attempting to escape. Authorities are investigating the full circumstances of the murders while the community mourns the shocking loss.

Neighbours described the act as brutal and senseless, struggling to understand how family members could turn on each other. Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their communities.

This tragic case not only reveals the horror of the murders themselves but also exposes the tense and dangerous family dynamics that may have contributed to the devastating outcome.