A man has been arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the alleged murder of his three-year-old step-son in Tongaat. The incident began on Thursday, 26 December, when SAPS Tongaat received a complaint of a child lying on the side of a road in the Esenmbe area, upper Tongaat. On arrival, members were informed that a 7-year-old male child was taken to the Stanger hospital for treatment.
Spokesperson for IPSS Medical Rescue, Samantha Meyeick, said: “IPSS medical rescue responded to a farm near Tongaat after receiving reports of a child who had been assaulted. The child was found in critical condition and was stabilised on the scene by IPSS medical advanced life support before being transported to hospital.”
Spokesperson for Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), Prem Balram, added: “The 7-year-old boy was located on an unpaved road by a man driving through the area. The child was repeatedly hacked on his face with a panga. He informed authorities that he was attacked by his stepfather and dumped in a river after he was presumed deceased.” The boy allegedly made his way to an unpaved road, where he was assisted by a passerby.
According communications officer at the SAPS Tongaat, Captain Jasanathan Naidoo, said: “The members proceeded to the hospital and found the child with wounds to his face and head. The child’s mother was interviewed and stated that the step-father had an argument with her and thereafter assaulted the child. Information was received that the suspect took another child and ran away. The area was searched until 8.30pm but was called off due to poor visibility.”
The next day, the search resumed with SAPS Tongaat Station Commander, Colonel N Moodley, overseeing the operation to find the missing child. The search was conducted by private security companies, search and rescue teams, and SAPS. Captain Naidoo said: “During the search, the body of a three-year-old male child was recovered, and it was the missing child. It appears that the child was strangled. The three-year-old was declared deceased at the scene.”
The suspect was later found and arrested in the Istopa area.
Captain Naidoo said: “The suspect was then brought to Tongaat, where he was detained for multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and intimidation. The suspect is currently at Westville Correctional Centre and will appear at the Verulam court soon.”
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and condemned the heinous act in the strongest terms.
“This unspeakable crime has shattered our community and serves as a painful reminder of the violence that continues to plague our province. I commend the police and all stakeholders for their swift action in apprehending the suspect. We trust the justice system will ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable for this barbaric act.”
The Premier also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the young boy and urged communities to remain vigilant in reporting any signs of abuse or violence.
“It is imperative that we work together to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. No child should ever have to endure such pain and suffering. The killing of this innocent child is a crime beyond comprehension, and the pain inflicted upon the family and community is immeasurable. We call upon the law to ensure that the perpetrator faces the full might of justice. Such heinous acts must not go unpunished,” said Ntuli.
