Mute boy found decapitated at men's hostel

From: Independent Online, South Africa - May 17, 2004

By Ayanda Mhlongo

Police are searching for the killer of a seven-year-old boy, whose decapitated body was found near KwaMashu men's hostel on Sunday.

Ndumiso Mthabela's body was discovered by police near a railway line after the community had reported a foul smell coming from bushes in the area.

Ndumiso, who was hearing impaired and could not speak, disappeared after he was playing with friends near his home at the men's hostel on May 9.

His decomposed body was found a week after his parents had reported him missing to the local police. Although police would not comment on the motive for the killing, community members suspect it could be muthi related.

The police are now searching for the boy's head.

The boy's father, Nhlanhla Mthembu, told the police that Ndumiso was wearing navy-blue shorts and a red T-shirt on the day he went missing.

When his body was found he was still wearing his shorts, but not the T-shirt. His family said they did not know who could have committed such a terrible act.

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