UPDATE: September 5, 11.30am
DESPITE having grown up difficult circumstances, the four murdered children were very lively children, say neighbors.
A video obtained from their aunt Phakamile Mbhele shows the children playing happily, despite claims that they were neglected by their mother.
The children’s mother told reporters she doesn’t mind going to jail so that justice can be served.
Social Development MEC Weziwe Thusi has expressed her shock at the murder.
Speaking to the Herald she said they were relying on the community to help the police by providing evidence that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrator.
“It is also very disturbing to note that the mother was allegedly abusing grant money she received for the care of the children and ended up neglecting them,” the MEC said.
The MEC added that she wished this had been reported earlier so the children could be saved.
“In this case, someone will have to be charged for child neglect. The Children’s Act No. 38 of 2000 clearly stipulates that children deserve round the clock care and protection.”
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UPDATE: September 5, 8am
THE Inkatha Freedom Party has called on the police to charge the children’s mother with negligence after she apparently left her four children alone while she went out to a nearby tavern.
“I would like to send my condolences to the family and the entire KwaNzimakwe community. It is very unfortunate and heart-breaking that children as young as these had to die in such a horrific manner, while there was a parent who was supposed to be taking care of them and making sure that the children are protected,” said IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Community Safety and Liaison, Blessed Gwala, MPL.
“It is a serious crime to neglect your child no matter the circumstances. As a parent you are responsible for taking care of your child or children. Parents who neglect their children must be punished severely. We need to ensure that we don’t tolerate parents who neglect their children while they go out to have fun.
“In addition more stringent regulations must be in place when it comes to the licencing of taverns and shebeens. It is unacceptable that there are taverns that are allowed to be open throughout the night. Such establishments add to the many social ills that plague communities,” he added.
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ORIGINAL STORY: September 2
FOUR children were found murdered in the Ngcukeni area of KwaNzimakwe this morning.
A four-year-old girl and her brothers, aged seven, 10 and 12 respectively, had reportedly been bound with ropes before being hacked and stabbed to death.
The ears of three of the children had been severed.
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According to police spokesman, Captain Gerald Mfeka, the children’s mother had left them alone while she visited a nearby tavern.
She returned home this morning.
The neighbours who made the shocking discovery allegedly said they had heard the children screaming last night, but had thought they were playing.
No arrests have been made and Port Edward police are investigating four counts of murder.
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