Six-year-old boy found decapitated, eviscerated
Khanyisani's decomposing body was found 14 days later in a foetal position, covered in flies. His head was missing and his intestines had been removed.
On December 28, the body of a small boy was found near a stream in Mbabasi, a rural community near Paulpietersburg.
For members of the community, the gruesome discovery confirmed their fears and heralded the end of a 13-day-long search by police and residents.
The body is believed to be that of six-year-old Khanyisani Khumalo, who went missing on December 14 while herding cattle with his cousins and stepbrothers.
Khanyisani lived with his mother and her family in Zimbuthu, a rural area just outside Utrecht. Khanyisani and his mother, Nomusa Khumalo a 31-year-old traditional healer, were visiting his father Zwelakhe Buthelezi who is 65 years old and also a traditional healer, when he went missing.
At approximately 5pm, Khanyisani went with four other boys and a 35-year-old man to herd cattle home for the night. According to the man, who was questioned by police, he had gone to the top of a hill to search for the cattle, leaving the boys behind.
Although he allegedly heard Khanyisani crying, he did not turn back and continued to search for the cattle.
The four remaining boys and the man returned to the village. Once there, the boys asked Ms Khumalo if Khanyisani had not yet returned.
A frantic search throughout the night ensued, with no luck. The police were also contacted during the night, and members of the Vryheid SAPS arrived to help search for the missing boy.
Sadly, their efforts were in vain. Khanyisani’s decomposing body was found 14 days later in a foetal position, covered in flies. His head was missing and his intestines had been removed.
He was identified via a pair of shorts he was wearing on the day he went missing, however, the body has been sent to Durban for DNA tests to confirm identity.
According to reports, the community is now living in fear, as they suspect witchcraft was involved in the brutal murder. The family believes the father was involved, however Mr Buthelezi denied his involvement.
According to Maria Khumalo, Khanyisani’s grandmother, he was a strong and confident child and worked hard.
The case is currently being investigated by Vryheid police.
