Murder or suicide? This is the question that neighbours and relatives of three family members from the Itireleng informal settlement are struggling to answer.
The community of Itireleng was left in shock and disbelief after a family of three was discovered dead, by a neighbour last Friday evening (June 1), at around 7pm.
The death remains a mystery as relatives await post-mortem results to find out the exact cause of death, amid reports of suspected domestic violence.
The couple from Zimbabwe, Shackys Chuma Mnadahondo (41), his girlfriend Febby Zinzombo (38) and their three-week-old baby were found lifeless, in their shack on the shocking Friday evening. The only survivor was a four-year-old child.
Police spokesperson, Tumisang Moloto said that the bodies of the couple were found on the one side of the shack, while the baby's body was discovered on the bed.
"They were all declared dead on the scene by paramedics but they had no visible injuries. However, circumstances surrounding this incident will be subjected for investigation. A post-mortem report will give the police a clearer indication as to what happened. An inquest case was opened at the Laudium SAPS for further investigation.”
Zimbabwean, Ibrahim Faziri (34), brother to the deceased woman told the Laudium Sun that the families were devastated and left with many questions while the only survivor, a four-year-old child, was still extremely confused.
"They were found in the house and the young girl who survived said the mother took her out of their shack, but the child was dazed. The window was opened but the door was locked. So we do not know if she got out through the window or what," Ibrahim said.
He said the position in which the deceased were found lying also raised questions. He said his sister was on the floor, while the man was on a couch in an uncomfortable position.
"We were not there and we can't specify, but there have been previous stories of domestic violence between the two. They have been staying here in South Africa for a long time," Ibrahim said, tearfully.
The brother of the deceased man, Zimbabwean, Wilson Mnadahondo almost broke down while talking to the Laudium Sun.
"We are very sad. I am the only brother left now. Let's not speculate, but wait for the post-mortem to tell us what has happened," he said with eyes cast down.
Devastated family member, Ibrahim Faziri.