Missing Mpumalanga boy’s remains found: Man in custody

The Mpumalanga SAPS has confirmed that it has discovered remains they believe to be those of Junior Mabandla, the six-year-old boy from Pienaar who went missing on June 3.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said the remains were discovered yesterday. The Mpumalanga SAPS released a statement today that an 18-year-old man has since been apprehended in connection with the discovery. He is also allegedly suspected to be connected with a three-year-old girl who went missing yesterday.

“He is currently receiving medical treatment under police guard after being reportedly assaulted by some members of the community,” said Mdhluli. “The police were called to a scene in a cemetery in Pienaar where some members of the community had gathered and apprehended a man who told them that he was somehow involved in the disappearance of two children: A three-year-old girl who was sought by her family on Wednesday, and Junior, who went missing exactly one month ago.”

‘Tense’ situation

Mdhluli said when the SAPS arrived at the cemetery in Ncakeni, the situation was very tense. The police took the suspect to a medical facility for treatment while some officers were shown a grave where the suspected remains of Junior were buried. His family was also present at the scene.

“Junior’s family members indicated that the clothes recovered with the remains were those of their child. The remains were collected by forensic pathology officials,” said Mdhluli.

He said the arrested man has not yet been charged, as the police are adamant that more might be discovered through an investigation.

The acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, said the SAPS will leave no stone unturned.

“We are very much concerned about the incidents that recently occurred in Pienaar. There is definitely something wrong there, but we want to assure the public that the police have taken charge in order to bring stability to the area. We have employed specialised units and heightened our visibility in the area to ensure law and order. However, the rule of law remains paramount, and we urge members of the public to allow justice to take its course and to refrain from vigilantism,” he said.