Two children hiding in a bedroom escaped unhurt when their mother was hit by a grenade in their Amanzimtoti home on Sunday.
A man, thought to be the woman’s husband, threw two hand grenades at her in an argument.
Police spokesman Major Thulani Zwane said the suspect, a businessman, allegedly threw the grenades at the 33-year-old victim and one exploded, injuring her.
“The police explosives unit found both hand grenades (including the shrapnel of one) in the house. Emanzimtoti police are looking for a 30-year-old man who can assist the police in the murder case,” he said.
The children were reportedly traumatised by the incident in Karridale Road.
Neighbours told the Daily News they heard the explosion and came out of their homes to investigate. Some thought a car had crashed into a house.
A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said he rushed to the house to find smoke pouring out and children screaming.
He made his way through the debris in the house and went to one of the bedrooms where two children, aged 6 and 7, were hiding under a blanket on their bed.
They were taken outside and consoled by neighbours.
Other neighbours found a woman lying at the back door bleeding. She was carried to a car and taken to Kingsway Hospital. It is believed she died on the way.
Some neighbours were hesitant and did not want to go into the house in case there was a second blast.
The interior of the house was damaged. Debris from damaged appliances lay around.
At the back of the house blood stains were visible on items strewn outside.
The blast shattered the lounge and kitchen windows.
People are now concerned about the well-being of the children.
Police have, as yet, not released the wanted man’s identity. It is unclear if the man was injured by the blast.
Police have also not released the woman’s identity. The couple had moved into the area recently. – Daily News