South Africa: Six people, including a six-month-old baby, were brutally murdered at their home in the Eastern Cape on the eve of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign in the country.

Police spokesperson Brig Tembinkosi Kinana said neighbours raised the alarm after discovering “something wrong” at the family’s home.

On arrival, police found six bodies, including a 42-year-old woman and her children, aged from six months to 10 years.

Kinana said an axe found on the scene was believed to be the murder weapon.

“It is alleged that the husband to the 42-year-old mother, and who is of Zimbabwean origin, has disappeared. Police believe that he can assist the investigations into the case,” Kinana said.

No arrests had been made.

Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Liziwe Ntshinga described the incident as shattering.

“Whoever is behind these gruesome and heartless murders must be found without any delays,” Ntshinga said.

Police have therefore appealed to the public to help them with information that would be help to capture the suspects.