Child’s remains discovered, believed to be that of ‘snatched’ toddler
Hlawuleka Prosperity Rikhotso was snatched from her mother's arms earlier this year
LIMPOPO – The police in Giyani have opened an inquest following the discovery of human remains, believed to be that of 19-month-old Hlawuleka Prosperity Rikhotso.
Rikhotso was kidnapped by 30-year-old Moses Rameu on 4 February in Shawela Village. Earlier reports suggested that the mother had gone to meet the man and after an argument, she decided to return home and walked to a local bus stop where he followed her and snatched the child from her and disappeared into nearby bushes. He was arrested three weeks after the kidnapping and later died in the police cells before he divulged details regarding the whereabouts of the toddler.
According to a statement issued by Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, the human remains were found in bushes near Xawela Block 23 outside Giyani on Tuesday evening.
Local residents who had made the discovery, notified the police. On arrival the police found the toddler’s clothes next to the remains.
Mojapelo added that preliminary police investigations indicate that the remains can be that of the kidnapped toddler, but that forensic examinations will still be conducted for conclusive identification.
Police investigations still continue.
