Durban – Police are investigating a gruesome attack in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in which a man was axed to death and two others, including a child, were seriously injured.
According to a report by the SABC News, the incident occurred in KwaSobabili, near Estcourt, where a 35-year-old man, reportedly suffering from a mental illness, allegedly carried out the attack.
Ward councillor Saziso Shabalala confirmed the incident and shared details of the tragedy.
“Yes, I confirm that indeed the incident happened where a 35-year-old and mentally disturbed man went to his neighbour and found a 70-year-old man and hit him with an axe,” Shabalala said.
“He further went to his household and assaulted his three-year-old nephew and he fainted.”
The attack has sparked renewed focus on the growing mental health crisis in the province.
Central News highlighted the urgent need for improved mental health support in KwaZulu-Natal, one of the provinces with the highest rates of violent crime in the country.
“In KwaZulu-Natal, mental health stigma continues to prevent many people from seeking the help they need. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports that only one in ten people with mental health issues receives treatment, pointing to a national crisis,” Central News reported.
Although the government introduced the National Mental Health Policy Framework to improve access to mental healthcare, its implementation in rural areas like the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands has been limited.
Community-based programmes in Estcourt have tried to raise awareness, but their efforts have been hindered by a lack of funding and resources.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
