A 10-year-old boy from Katlehong, who was attending Grade Four at Sonqoba Primary School, was found dead at Khwesini Hostel on the afternoon of August 27.
Mpilo Sithole’s body was found 13 days after he was reported missing at Katlehong South SAPS.
The station’s media liaison officer Captain Mega Ndobe said the investigating officer, detective Sergeant Mzamani Vilankulu under FCS, along with community members and Ward 59 councillor worked around the clock to find the boy.
“Rumours were suggesting the boy was seen in Khwesini but they did not succeed in finding him until the police received information from a waste recycler who reported about a decomposed body at the hostel next to the railway line,” Ndobe said.
“The body was found with bruises. Some of his body parts were missing such as ears, right hand, nose and upper lip,” Ndobe explained.
He said according to the boy’s mother, he went missing after school. His stepfather says he went missing on his way to school and has never returned.
“It was revealed that the boy had a history of physical abuse by his step-father, which was reported to the local social workers. The parents were attending counselling sessions offered by social workers.”
Ndobe confirmed that a case of murder has been opened for investigation and a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of his death.
Anyone with information that can assist police with information that can help solve the murder case can contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Bilankulu on 083 757 8111.
