The eMbalenhle police arrested a 34-year-old woman yesterday in connection with the murder of her 10-year-old stepson.

The victim was found with multiple serious injuries, including stab wounds to the neck, abdomen and bruising to the neck in an open field near Marikana, Azania Section in Extension 22, eMbalenhle, Mpumalanga, reports Ridge Times.

Emergency medical personnel declared him dead on scene. According to the police, the suspect, believed to be the boy’s stepmother, had taken the child to an open field earlier in the day under the pretext of going to pray there.

She later returned and reported the child missing. The community immediately began searching for him. The search operation was also supported by a private security company. This operation led to the discovery of the boy’s body a few meters away from a riverbank.

The police and forensic experts attended the scene and through preliminary investigations, the police were able to arrest the stepmother who is currently in custody.

She is expected to appear in the Evander Magistrate’s Court soon on a charge of murder, while the motive for the attack remains under investigation.

eMbalenhle police spokesperson Sergeant Busisiwe Mthethwa says the police have strongly condemned this ‘senseless’ act of violence against a child and continues to prioritise crimes against women and children in line with the national strategic plan on gender-based violence.

The police appeals to the community to remain calm and allow the law to take its course, while parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure the safety and supervision of children at all times.

The police urge anyone with additional information that can help the investigation to come forward and contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Rammutla, at 079 410 7360, or report anonymously through the Crime Stop number (08600 10111) or the MySAPS app.

*Although the identity of the deceased is known, it is held back until the suspect has appeared in court.

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