Police hunt suspect after mother, two children killed in Darwendale, bodies burnt

POLICE have launched a manhunt for an unidentified suspect after a mother and her two young children were allegedly murdered at Shirleigh Farm in Darwendale before their bodies were dragged into a hut, which was later set on fire.

The victims were identified as Abigail Mwale, 26, her five-year-old child Johanne Maiswa and seven-month-old Jayden Mwale.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the three were killed on Sunday before the suspect allegedly moved their bodies into the hut.

“The ZRP is investigating a case of murder in which an unknown suspect allegedly killed three victims, a mother and her two children, at Shirleigh Farm, Darwendale, on 13/09/26,” Nyathi said.

The suspect allegedly dragged the bodies into the hut, locked it from the outside and subsequently set it on fire.

Police recovered a blood-stained white cloth, a white sack, an adze and a pair of socks at the scene.

The bodies were taken to ‘O’ Hea Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations as police intensified efforts to identify and arrest the suspect.

Nyathi appealed to anyone with information that could assist investigations to report to the police.

“Anyone with information to report at any nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk on 0242 703631 or via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197,” he said.