Relative, 15, arrested for murder of four-year-old girl in KwaMashu

A 15-year-old relative has been arrested in KwaMashu for the murder of a four-year-old girl by the name of Minenhle Sanelisiwe Mhlongo following an intensive investigation by Ntuzuma police.

Just last week on 24 September 2020 at 6:00, the body of Minenhle was found in the bushes near her home on Mvemvane Road at M Section in KwaMashu.

FOUR-YEAR-OLD GIRL DISAPPEARS IN KWAMASHU

It is alleged that on 23 September 2020, Minenhle was left in the care of a relative while her mother went to work. When her mother returned home, she was informed that the little girl went missing and was nowhere to be found. 

On 24 September — one day after the child’s disappearance — the body was found in the bushes near her home on Mvemvane Road at M Section in KwaMashu. 

“She had sustained stab wounds to her body as well as a head injury,” said SAPS Brigadier Jay Naicker. 

TEENAGE RELATIVE ARRESTED 

Following the gruesome discovery, a case of murder was opened at the Ntuzuma police station for investigation and police worked tirelessly for justice for the four-year-old girl.  

Yesterday afternoon [Tuesday 29 September], the investigative team made a breakthrough when they arrested a 15-year-old relative for the murder and recovered a weapon that was used to commit the offence. The suspect is expected to appear before the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 1 October.

Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Major General Thulani Gonya said;

“May the family find peace and healing through this difficult time. We applaud the Ntuzuma Detectives for their dedication and we believe that our justice will not fail the family.”  

BODIES OF TWO WOMEN FOUND IN KWAMASHU 

Apart from the four-year-old girl, the bodies of two women were also found in bushes in KwaMashu on Tuesday 29 September, both of them with gunshot wounds to the head. 

According to South African Police Service (SAPS) Captain Nqobile Gwala, charges of murder were opened for investigation at KwaMashu SAPS. 

“It is alleged today at 12:30, two bodies of women believed to be in their twenties were found in the bushes on Sigede Road at P Section in KwaMashu,” said Gwala. 

“They were found with gunshot wounds to the head. The matter is still under investigation,” added Gwala. 

Police, at the time, told The South African that the deceased women were still unknown and were found by a passerby.