Five Family Members Found Dead At Flagstaff Homestead

Police have launched a mass murder investigation after five members of one family were found fatally shot at a homestead in Mfundisweni Administrative Area, Magqagqeni Locality, Flagstaff on Friday morning.

Police spokeswoman Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said officers were alerted to the scene at approximately 08:52 after a community member called police.

Upon arrival, police discovered the bodies of five family members — an adult male, his adult wife, and their three children — all with fatal gunshot wounds.

“A pistol was found at the scene next to the body of the adult male occupant,” Gantana said in a statement.

According to preliminary information, a friend of the family and a family member arrived at the house in the early morning hours and made the grim discovery.

She said a “domestic homicide followed by suicide is suspected, but the motive remains unconfirmed.”

Forensic teams are processing the scene and post-mortems will be conducted to confirm the cause of death.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner’s office has urged anyone with information to come forward.

“We offer condolences to the family and urge anyone with information to contact Flagstaff Police or Crime Stop at 08600 10111. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” Gantana said.