Six slain George family members have been laid to rest in Tshisane village near Tsolo in the Eastern Cape. They were allegedly murdered in what is suspected to be a family feud, last week.
Five of the victims were allegedly shot in their beds in the early hours of Wednesday, last week. Prior to the shooting, a man from the same family was also hacked to death.
The deceased are Nofumanekile George, Nonkosazana, Sabelo, Mawethu and Ongam whose body was found next door. The deceased are between the ages 18 and 82.
A member of the George family, Bonisile George, says they are shocked by the murder of their relatives. George says they want the court to refuse bail for the five suspects as he fears this might cause tension in the community
“As a family we do not want these children not to get bail we will find peace. Even if they can be released? As a family we will not revenge ourselves. But justice must be served. We do not want them back in this community because we do not know what other family members are thinking.”
The Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane, has condemned the brutal killings. He promised to provide support for the family
“The government has put together a very formidable team to look at all the issues. He government ensures that this family does not feel this pain it has come on handy to ensure how then we move forward. For this family not to perish we’ve got to look after those young kids. They must ho to school to have their own future.”
Mabuyane says they will work with the community to try and prevent similar incidents from happening
“It’s a terrible thing. It must not happen it should be stopped. We are here to mobilise the community to make sure that they work with government, work with saps to ensure that we really avoid incidents of this nature and create proper dialogs in our families and engage on issues find solutions. I don’t think this violent approach is helpful.”
Five suspects have been arrested for the brutal murders. Among the suspects are four brothers and their cousin.
They are expected to appear in the Tsolo Magistrate’s Court on the 19th of January for a formal bail application. – Reporting by Nomzwanele Mngoma
In the video below is the funeral service of the six George family members:
