Teen held for hacking family to death

Johannesburg - A teenager has been arrested in Etwatwa for allegedly killing four members of his family with an axe, Gauteng police said on Sunday.

"Police...have arrested a 14-year old boy following an incident in which four family members were killed in an informal settlement in the early hours of Friday at about 01:00," said Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini.

The family had been sleeping in the same room when they were attacked.

His mother, 42, and 3-month-old sister died at the scene. His grandmother, 58, and 7-year-old brother died at the Far East Hospital.

Dlamini said two sisters, aged 8 and 9, escaped.

After the incident, the boy apparently ran off. His sisters alerted community members, who contacted police.

The teenager was later arrested with the help of community members.

"The murder weapon has not been found yet [and] he is currently being held in a place of safety," said Dlamini.

The motive for the attack was not known.

The boy was due to appear in the Benoni Magistrate's Court on Monday.