MOPANI - The police in Mopani are searching for a 37-year-old man, who allegedly kidnapped and strangled his three children to death.

The incident took place at the Mediyend Village in the Bodobedu area last Friday. According to the spokesperson of the police in the area, Capt Moatshe Ngoepe the three children, Mosibudi Mabeba (6), Morongoa Mabeba (3) and Matsidiso Mabeba (1) were last seen alive in the company of their father, who allegedly took them from their mother on Friday afternoon.

The children's mother reported the matter to the police on Saturday morning and a case of child kidnapping was opened. The police, together with the community members, then embarked on the search for the man. According to the police statement "on Sunday evening the children's mother remembered a certain shack which she used to share with the suspect before they separated." The shack is situated at the Gagapane Township.

The mother led the police to the place. Upon arrival at the Gagapane Township, the mother looked through the broken window and saw a pair legs. The police then forced the door of the shack open.

They found the partly decomposed bodies of the three children underneath the bed. According to the statement, the bodies each had a piece of wire around the neck.

The search for the children's father, Mr Isaac Mabeba was still on at the time of going to press.