Less than two-weeks after a 10-year-old boy from Katlehong was reported missing, his body was discovered at Khwesini Hostel on the afternoon of Saturday, August 27.

Mpilo Sithole, a Grade 4 learner at Sonqoba Primary School, was reported missing at Katlehong South SAPS 13 days ago.

The station’s spokesperson, Captain Mega Ndobe, said the investigating officer, detective Sergeant Mzamani Vilankulu under FCS, along with community members worked around the clock to find the boy.

“There were rumours that the boy was seen in Khwesini, but they did not succeed in finding him, until police received information from a waste recycler who reported a decomposed body at the hostel next to the railway line,” said Ndobe.

“The body was found with bruises. Some of his body parts were missing such as his ears, right hand, nose and upper lip,” Ndobe explained.

He said there were discrepancies as to when Sithole went missing. According to his mother, he went missing after school while his stepfather says he went missing on his way to school

Ndobe says their investigation revealed that the boy had a history of physical abuse, which was reported to local social workers.

A case of murder has been opened for investigation and a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of his death.

Anyone with information that can assist police to solve the murder case can contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Bilankulu on 083 757 8111.