Authorities, residents condemn mutilation of Boksburg boy

The Gauteng Department of Social Development, the EMPD and residents expressed their shock and condemned the mutilation of the six-year-old boy in Boksburg.

The condemnation followed the gruesome attack on the Blue Sky informal settlement boy who went missing on February 28 and was later found with his genitals cut off.
He was left to die in a ditch at the side of the mine-owned field near the liquor store on Trichardts Road in Cason.

He was taken to the Tambo Memorial Hospital before being transferred to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. A case of attempted murder was opened at the Boksburg Police Station the next day, and an investigation is underway.

Ekurhuleni District Police Commissioner
Speaking to this publication on Wednesday, Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole described the incident as shocking and horrifying.

Sithole said the case was categorised as an occult-related crime, so they have engaged the SAPS’ Occult Crime Unit to look into it.

“We take crimes against women and children seriously. We have not yet arrested the perpetrator, but our teams are working round the clock to solve the case. We are confident we will find the suspect and put him behind bars.
“We thank God that despite the pain and anguish, the child is still alive and recovering in hospital. He will be interviewed to try and get some information to help with the investigation because the child could know the suspect.”

MEC for Gauteng Social Development
Meanwhile, Mbali Hlophe, the MEC for Gauteng Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, called on the Boksburg community to work with the police to find the perpetrator of this horrific crime.

“The department is outraged by this violent act, and as custodians of children in terms of Section 7 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, will fight to bring justice to the distraught family.

“We are saddened that this happened when the country gears itself for a period dedicated to Human Rights. Therefore, as the department, we condemn any brutality or senseless killings of our people and innocent children,” said Hlophe.

“We will give full support in ensuring that the culprits face the full wrath of the law. More importantly, we will put in a safety plan and intensive therapeutic intervention for the child and his family,” promised the MEC.
“We ask members of the community with information to come forth. Our child activist groups, men’s forums, and law enforcement agencies should join forces in ensuring that Gauteng remains a safe place for its children,” said Hlophe.

Raising funds for mutilated boy
A BackaBuddy campaign was started to help cover the costs of the child’s medical treatment and other basic necessities.
Boksburg resident Nicole Barlow, who also expressed her shock and disbelief, set up the Backabuddy campaign and appealed to South Africans to lend a helping hand by supporting the initiative.
If you want to contribute to the BackaBuddy campaign, click on the link for the details: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/sebastian-x-5538175008412992064

“I know first-hand the long and expensive road to recovery that lies ahead for this little boy. The many operations, physiotherapy, counselling and extensive support he will need.

“Let’s not fail him again. Let us show we are a nation that cares about our children and donate to my Back-a-Buddy campaign for his treatment. I hope to raise at least R 150 000 toward his care and medical support.

“As a resident of Boksburg, a mother and a grandmother, I feel it is important that we do what is necessary to help and make sure the boy whose care and protection has been so egregiously violated has a future that is better than his past and his current circumstances,” said Barlow.

She pointed out that she had spent almost a decade establishing and working in organisations dedicated to protecting and assisting abused, abandoned and neglected children.

“All adults should do what is best for children. Governments should ensure children are protected and looked after by their parents or other people when required. We, as the public and the government, are failing our children in South Africa,” said Barlow.

“This little boy is a victim of a failed state, a failed nation and a failed humanity. We have failed as a country, and especially the police services, to protect children from abuse and grievous injury at the hands of those who no longer see the human dignity in children.

“This is not the first such case in South Africa. In fact, it is a horrifically frequent occurrence where boys’ genitals are cut off for muti – the result of a persistent archaic and medieval superstitious belief system that destroys the lives of young boys.”

Also Read: Community shocked after boy’s (6) genitals were cut off