The SAPS in Soweto have confirmed the arrest of a woman linked to the abduction and death of 4-year-old Keeya Mbulawa, who last month was allegedly kidnapped by the suspect, strangled and placed inside a travel bag.
Keeya is alleged to have died after being abducted from her home in Protea Glen, Soweto, strangled and placed inside a suitcase by a known neighbour, Lindeni Nonhlelelwa Matsebula, whom the Mbulawa family knew for more than two years.
The toddler died more than a week later after the suspect allegedly strangled her with a sock and hid her inside a pink suitcase before disappearing into thin air when the mother of the child and members of the community confronted her.
On Wednesday, Soweto police spokesperson Liutenant-Colonel Colonel, Mavela Masondo confirmed the woman’s arrest, adding that the suspect is scheduled to appear at the Protea Magistrate’s Court tomorrow after being spotted in the same neighbourhood of Protea Glen.
“Police can confirm that the suspect, who was wanted for the kidnapping and murder of a 4-year-old child was arrested in Protea Glen on Wednesday.
“The suspect was spotted by the community member while walking in the streets of Protea Glen and police were alerted. She was then arrested. She is expected to appear before the Protea Magistrate’s Court (tomorrow), facing charges of kidnapping and murder,” Masondo said.
The initial reports suggested that the suspect, who is allegedly from Swaziland, had fled to the country of birth following the January incident.
Masondo revealed that a case of murder has been added to the suspect’s list of charges following an initial charge of kidnapping.
It is reported that the child was playing with her friends when the mother realised that she was missing. She then started searching for the child.
“As one of the tenants within the same premises was moving out, the mother thought of searching her bags. Upon which the child was discovered inside one of the travelling bags, with her hands and feet tied up and a cloth tucked inside her mouth,” Masondo said.
Last month, scores of Soweto community members and neighbours, including Reverend Frank Chikane, attended Keeya’s funeral, with many lamenting the cruel nature of the child’s death.
The Star