Police spokesperson, Thandi Mbambo, says four bodies were found burnt while one was found with a gunshot wound in Marakong village. 

She says the police discovered the body of a female with a gunshot wound to the stomach lying on the ground, while the burnt body of a male was found inside the burnt mud house. 

Subsequent to the discovery of the two bodies - believed to be a couple - the burnt bodies of a mother, her daughter and son were found inside a shack. 

Mbambo adds that an 11-year-old boy is recovering at a local hospital after he was allegedly hit by assailants with a knobkierie on the nose. No one has been arrested at this stage and police are investigating a case of murder, arson and attempted murder.

"The acting Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Major General Solly Lesia has instructed the activation of the 72hrs plan following the murder of five family members in Marakong village, Namahadi in Qwaqwa.  On 4 April 2021 at about 03:30, the police received a report of people who had burnt inside a house," she adds. 

Mbambo further adds that the motive for the killing is currently unknown.

"We request the public to assist us with information that may lead to the identification and/or arrest of the perpetrators. Anyone with information should please contact Namahadi police station at 058- 7181701 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111, alternatively send information via MySAPS App," she added.

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