“It must be devastating for all involved, especially if it was an accident” said Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Sharon Buys after hearing that a young child had been found hanged in the Roosboom area. “The facts are unclear, but this is a great tragedy. My sympathy to the parents,” added Cllr Buys. Four-year-old Silothando Wandile Mkhwanazi was found hanging from a rope outside her home in Roosboom on Thursday, October 10.
A neighbour made the horrific discovery and immediately notified the child’s grandparents. Hearing the commotion, other neighbours rushed out of their houses to see if they could help in any way.
Police who responded to the scene were shocked. The officers were later joined by Ladysmith mortuary personnel, as well as emergency services. When police arrived, the toddler was lying on the ground, covered by a blanket.
It is alleged that the four-year-old had been playing with older children at the time.
A neighbour’s child happened to look over at the house and spotted the girl hanging from a thin, plastic rope.
The 15-year old boy rushed over to free the toddler, yelling for help from Silothando’s grandparents, who were in the house at the time. The child’s mother was away, having secured a job out of town.
According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Basheer Khan, “Ladysmith detectives have opened an inquest into the death of the child.”
Read initial story HERE
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