A couple accused of hacking a 34-year-old single father to death in front of his young daughter has been arrested following a dramatic manhunt led by Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) in Shakaskraal, KwaZulu-Natal.

The suspects, both aged 34, were tracked down on Monday morning after 27 tip-offs from concerned citizens across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. They were wanted in connection with the murder of Doctor William Mputhi, who was attacked with a sickle on the driveway of his home in Shakas Head on Saturday evening.

According to RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram, Mputhi was killed in full view of his six-year-old daughter. The suspects, believed to be his tenants, fled the scene carrying the bloodied garden tool and their three-year-old daughter, disappearing without a trace.

“The victim was pronounced dead on arrival at a clinic in Tongaat,” said Balram.

“William Mputhi’s mother-in-law contacted the RUSA Headquarters on Monday, concerned that the killers would flee and never be located,” added Balram

RUSA immediately circulated the suspects’ details on social media, prompting tip-offs from Johannesburg, Richards Bay, Pietermaritzburg, and Shakaskraal. Officers eventually located the pair hiding in a five-bedroom home in Shakas Head, allegedly collecting money to flee the area.

Eight RUSA officers surrounded the property, known to be a criminal hotspot, and blocked off escape routes. Surveillance revealed ten occupants behaving suspiciously inside. Using binoculars, officers spotted the female suspect carrying her child and arrested her without incident.

Her husband was found minutes later, concealed under a pile of clothing in a bedroom. He resisted arrest but was forcefully restrained and taken into custody.

KZN provincial spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), Colonel Robert Netshiunda, says that the police in Umhlali are investigating a case of murder. The couple is currently being detained at Umhlali Police Station on charges of murder.

IOL NEWS

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