FOURIESBURG – The police in Fouriesburg have arrested a 28-year-old man after the body of his six-year-old son was discovered hidden under a bed in the family home, raising disturbing questions about alleged abuse, delayed intervention, and what authorities knew before the child’s death.
The boy was last seen alive on Thursday 29 January, according to his grandmother. She apparently told police that on that day she had witnessed the child’s father assaulting him with a wooden stick inside the house in Mashaeng, near Fouriesburg. When she confronted the man about the beating, he reportedly dismissed her concerns, telling her that he could do as he wished with his own child.
That was the last time the grandmother saw the boy alive.
Three days later, on Sunday, the case came to light after a community member entered the residence at around 10:40 and noticed what was described as an unusually dark and disordered bedroom. Clothes were scattered across the floor, prompting suspicion.
Using a cellphone torch, the individual looked under the bed and discovered the child’s body.
Police and emergency medical services personel were called to the scene. Paramedics declared the child dead on their arrival. Police officers observed bruises on the child’s body, suggesting possible physical assault prior to his death.
Police spokesperson WO Mmako Mophiring has confirmed that a murder case has been opened. The child’s father was arrested shortly after the discovery, and he remains in custody.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Fouriesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 3 February, where he will face a charge of murder.
Investigations are ongoing and the police have not ruled out additional charges pending post-mortem results and further witness statements.
