THE body of five-year-old Siyanda Gcabashe was found hanging from a tree in Mariannhill on Tuesday 28 January. The gruesome discovery was made by community members who use a foot path through a thick forest to reach a railway line.
Police confirmed the boy was found hanging with a telephone cord around his neck, from a tall tree.
According to reports, Brian Mthethwa, 50, of Kipi Town in Nagina called police to the scene after his neighbour noticed the boy hanging from the tree while hunting for rabbits in the forest on Tuesday. He said it appeared as if the boy had been killed over the weekend.
“He was too young to have been able to kill himself. Someone is definitely responsible for this child’s death. Even the police who inspected the body thought so,” he added.
Communications officer, W/O Trevor Govender of the Mariannhill SAPS said the child, who lived in Sithundu Hills and attends Bhekokuhle Primary School, was last seen when he was taken by his mother’s boyfriend on Saturday 25 January.
“The family of the child only became aware of his death after hearing a report on Ukhozi FM and made enquiries at the Mariannhill SAPS. Investigations are at a sensitive stage but an arrest is imminent,” said Govender.
An inquest docket had been opened at Mariannhill SAPS. Anyone who can assist the police with further information, can contact detective W/O Michael Phili on 073 369 0150 or 031 717 2083.
