15-year old uncle arrested for rape & murder of 4-year old niece

The family of a murdered four-year old KwaMashu girl is finding it hard to believe that the little victim was allegedly raped and killed by her teenage 15-year old uncle, who got apprehended on Wednesday.

Sanelisiwe Mhlongo’s battered body was discovered with several stab wounds in the bushes close to her home, North of Durban, on Thursday. She went missing after she was left with a relative on Wednesday.

Relatives reported that they found the child’s naked body face down.

The teenager who was apprehended in connection to the case is the girl’s mother’s cousin.

“This is painful and has put us in a difficult position. He (the boy) was uncoerced so all we can do is accept it,” said relative Munth’kabongwa Mhlongo.

The family said the teenager’s arrest was a shock to them but have handed all in the hands of the law.

“What we need to look at is where his place in society will be because he has created a bad situation for everyone. It’s very painful because how will we take him in if the state is unable? We will accept it if the government says they will keep him — wherever they keep him — because there is no place for him here,” said Mhlongo.

After he was apprehended on Wednesday, the teenage boy came before the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court on charges regarding rape and murder. However, the case was adjourned to October 7 for a formal bail application.

“The accused has been moved to a place of safety,” said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Kara.

Sanelisiwe is expected to be laid to rest on Friday.