- The Nyanga Community Policing Forum praised officers for the arrest of the perpetrator in connection with the death of Lukhanyolwam Mkontwana.
- Mkontwana was eight years old when he was abducted while playing with other children in Nyanga in September 2022.
- According to reports, the abductors later demanded a R100 000 ransom, which the family failed to pay.
The Nyanga Community Policing Forum praised officers for the arrest of the perpetrator in connection with the death of Lukhanyolwam Mkontwana.
Mkontwana was eight years old when he was abducted while playing with other children in Nyanga in September 2022.
According to reports, the abductors later demanded a R100 000 ransom, which the family failed to pay.
A few days later, Lukhanyolwam’s body was discovered dumped close to the Siqalo informal settlement near Mitchell’s Plain (”Nyanga family appeals for burial bail out”, City Vision, 6 October 2022).
Nyanga CPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe said the officers played a pivotal role in the arrest of the suspect on Tuesday 9 January in Nyanga.
He said the suspect’s arrest is not only a victory for the family, but for the community at large.
“The sad part is to find out that the suspect is someone known in the community. All along the suspect was watching the family grieving for their son,” said Qwebe, adding that officers hoped to make more arrests.
He vowed that the CPF and the community would ensure that they support the family during these difficult times.
He stated that they would ensure that the suspect doesn’t get bail.
“We are relieved that there’s someone arrested to show that there is movement. We want the law to take its course against the perpetrator.
“We want justice to prevail for the (boy’s) family,” said Qwebe.
Provincial police spokesperson Capt FC van Wyk said the 30-year-old suspect will make his next court appearance on Thursday 14 March.
Police are investigating two charges in this case and the suspect faces charges of murder and kidnapping.