The State seeks a life sentence for a 39-year-old man accused of murdering a three-year-old boy and attempting to kill the boy’s nine-year-old brother in a gruesome Boxing Day attack in Upper Tongaat.

The accused, Fanisile (full name withheld to protect the identity of the surviving child), allegedly attacked the two children of his girlfriend after a domestic dispute at their home on Lekha Sugar Estate. Following a manhunt, he was arrested in Umhlali the following day, and led police to the toddler’s body, about 250 metres from the house.

The younger boy was initially thought to have been kidnapped, prompting a community-wide search. The accused appeared in the Verulam Magistrates Court on December 30, where the State opposed bail due to the severity of the charges and the risk he poses. He remains in custody at Westville Correctional Centre ahead of his bail hearing on Friday, January 10.

Friends and neighbours painted a grim picture of a household marred by domestic violence and alcohol abuse. Nonhle Mzimela, a neighbour, said the boys’ mother fled her home through a window on Christmas Day after a heated argument with the suspect.

“The children were left playing outside unsupervised while everyone was drinking and celebrating. Their mother didn’t return until the next day,” said Mzimela.

When the children later sought refuge with their mother’s friend, Tshodiwe Qadi, she said Fanisile arrived at 1am, claiming he was taking them to their mother. Qadi said she trusted his word and allowed him to take the children, unaware of the danger.

Hours later, Fanisile allegedly strangled the toddler and brutally attacked the older child with a panga.

Neighbours described the accused as violent and threatening. He reportedly attacked a fellow labourer two months prior and frequently brandished his panga. No case was opened.

The mother’s friend, Qadi, expressed deep regret. “I didn’t know I was putting them in harm’s way,” she said.

The surviving child remains in Stanger Hospital, with his mother by his side. At the time of publication, the children’s mother had not returned home and could not be reached for comment.

The tragedy has left the community shaken, with residents questioning how the signs of escalating violence went unaddressed.

• Following further investigation, Saps informed The North Coast Courier that the couple were not married. The suspect, therefore, is not the children’s stepfather. Similarly, the article was corrected on January 8, to reflect this change. The North Coast Courier apologises for any confusion caused.