News24 | Mpumalanga man hands himself over to police for murder of 2-year-old niece

A Mpumalanga man has handed himself over to the police for the murder of his 2-year-old niece.

• A Mpumalanga man has handed himself over to the police for the murder of his 2-year-old niece.
• The child was playing outside with two other children when the man allegedly emerged from the house carrying a knife.
• In an unrelated incident, but in the same province, a 24-year-old man went to buy groceries for his dad, and has still not returned. Police are searching for him.

A 24-year-old man has handed himself over to police in connection with the brutal murder of his 2-year-old niece in Phola Park, Kwamhlanga, in Mpumalanga.

The man surrendered to authorities on Monday and was subsequently charged with murder.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Warrant Officer Zimkhona Mahlangu said the incident occurred on Sunday evening.

Police were alerted after a local hospital contacted them just after 20:00, reporting that a child had been brought in by family members and was certified dead on arrival.

When officers arrived at the hospital, they found the body of the 2-year-old girl lying on a bed with a deep wound to her neck.

“It is alleged that the child’s uncle attacked her before fleeing the scene without saying anything,” said Mahlangu.

READ | Temba woman held for killing neighbour’s 4-year-old while ‘testing’ gun

According to police, three children, aged between two and six, were playing outside when the man allegedly emerged from the house carrying a knife.

“Without uttering a word, he reportedly grabbed his niece, forced her to the ground, and inflicted a fatal injury to her neck before leaving the scene. The other two children ran into the house to alert adults,” said Mahlangu.

The child later succumbed to her injuries.

The suspect is expected to appear at the Kwamhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, Mahlangu said.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the “gruesome act” and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

“It is shocking to learn that an innocent child was brutally murdered by a family member. We will ensure that the law takes its course,” said Mkhwanazi.

READ | Temba woman held for killing neighbour’s 4-year-old while ‘testing’ gun

Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter, Ladybrand police in the Free State have appealed to the community for assistance in locating a 26-year-old man who disappeared after being sent to buy groceries and never returned home.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring identified the missing person as Khothatso None from Extension 9 in Ladybrand. He has been missing since 24 January.

According to the police, None’s 69-year-old father sent him to town to purchase groceries, but he failed to return and has not been seen since.

“He was last seen wearing a grey T-shirt, blue jeans, white Nike sneakers and a red cap. The father has since made enquiries with Khothatso’s friends, who told him they last saw the young man in town in the company of unknown individuals,” said Mophiring.

Police have opened an enquiry and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information about None’s whereabouts is urged to contact Ladybrand Detective Warrant Officer Bosch on 082 301 9640 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.