Ex-South Africa rugby star 'murders at least three people with an axe in revenge for gang-rape of his daughter'

Attack left young girl infected with HIV
Player accused of stalking his victims for days
A famous former rugby player has been arrested in South Africa after allegedly butchering at least three people to death with an axe.

A newspaper claimed the unnamed 34-year-old sportsman had launched a murderous rampage in revenge after his daughter was gang-raped and infected with HIV.

Afrikaans daily Beeld reported that one of the star's alleged victims had been decapitated during a string of brutal attacks which happened last week near Durban in South Africa's eastern KwaZulu-Natal province.


The un-named former South African rugby star allegedly stalked his victims around Durban for days before hacking them to death with an axe

It is believed the man's head was found at least a mile away from his body in a separate suburb of the Indian Ocean city.

Police spokesman Vincent Mdunge told South Africa's Sowetan newspaper the sportsman was being held in custody after being arrested yesterday.

The star is due to appear in court tomorrow to face three charges of murder and one of attempted murder in relation to a fourth alleged victim named Khangelani Mdluli, who managed to escape.

Lieutenant Colonel Mdunge said: 'When they pounced on him they found an axe, which we believe is the murder weapon, clothes with blood stains and a hired car that we suspect he could have used during the alleged attacks.

'He is currently being detained in one of our police stations.

'We can't disclose where for security reasons.

'He will be charged formally with three counts of murder with aggravating circumstances and one of attempted murder.'

Police said the man was arrested in a planned raid on a residential property at around 1.30am yesterday.

He is accused of stalking his victims over several days in townships and slum suburbs around Durban before hacking them to death with an axe.

Detectives announced details of the horrific killing spree last week and appealed for information on the brutal crimes.

Investigating officers then said the incidents had happened between last Sunday and Wednesday in the Durban districts of Yellowood Park, Lamontville and Umbilo.