AMAMKELE Mpetha (2), who had been reported missing from his home in the Ku-Nomcamba area of Ngqeleni, has been found murdered near a local river.
According to Ward Councillor Zilindile Hibhane, the young child was in the care of his grandmother, Noluvo Mathungele, at the time of his disappearance. She reportedly left him briefly in the garden to relieve herself. When she returned to prepare a meal for him, she discovered that he was missing. Despite seeking help from neighbours and reporting the incident to the community, their efforts to find him were unsuccessful. Councillor Hibhane expressed his shock upon receiving the devastating phone call informing him of the young boy’s death.
This tragedy is reminiscent of a past incident from 2021, where another young boy of three years old from the Jange locality, disappeared while playing with others. To this day, his fate remains unknown.
Hibhana shared that although this is the first occurrence of such a heartbreaking event during his leadership, it has left him deeply troubled and struggling to comprehend the situation. “His lifeless body was discovered next to the river, and it defies logic. It is vital that people remain vigilant at all times and are aware of their children’s whereabouts,” he urged.
Amamkele’s grandfather, Velile Mpetha, has confirmed that his grandson will be laid to rest at their family home in Ntsundwana, Ngqeleni, on February 8, 2025.
Police spokesperson, Captain Welile Matyolo, stated that the Mthatha K9 unit recovered the boy’s body from a nearby river last week, leading to a positive identification by the family. An inquest has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss.
