HOUSE OF HORROR: CHILD DIES, WOMAN ARRESTED

NHLANGANO – Grief and anger have gripped the community of Siphumelele following the discovery of two children, aged three and four, subjected to horrific abuse.

The abuse that the children were subjected to includes being locked in a house day and night, forced to drink from a toilet bowl, having their private parts tied to prevent urination, starvation and severe beatings on a daily basis at the hands of the woman who was supposed to care for them.

Tragically, one child has died from injuries sustained all over the body due to being assaulted with a broomstick. Siphumelele is located about three kilometres west of Nhlangano town.

The children, placed in the care of a local woman by a pastor, were found in a state of extreme neglect and brutality. Concerned residents forcibly entered the woman’s home after repeated attempts to gain entry were denied.

Cruelty

The scene was one of appalling cruelty. The children were severely malnourished, weak and bore signs of extensive physical abuse.

Residents allege that the children were tortured, underfed and given food of a lower quality than what was provided to the suspect’s biological children.

Sources further allege that the children were routinely restrained throughout the day, and released only at approximately 9pm.

Additionally, it is claimed the suspect subjected the children to torture and beatings with a broomstick and forced them to drink from a soiled toilet.

Due to incontinence, their private parts were allegedly bound to prevent urination.

A tenant who witnessed the incident on Tuesday told this publication that residents were deeply shocked by the children’s condition, particularly that of the child who later died.

The scene caused considerable distress among residents of the compound. The tenant stated that the suspect moved into the property in December, claiming to have relocated from Ezulwini.  The tenant further mentioned that the two children were purportedly placed in the suspect’s care by their pastor.

She noted that while the suspect’s two biological children were frequently seen playing outside, the other two children were consistently confined indoors and were often heard crying.

Although the suspect was known to be loud and authoritarian, causing her biological children to be fearful, the tenants did not initially suspect the severity of the abuse.

The tenant revealed that on the day of the incident, at approximately 6pm, they overheard one of the suspect’s biological children stating that one of the abused children had freed himself and that their mother would address the matter upon her return.

The tenant mentioned that the suspect, who runs a clothing business in Nhlangano town, typically returns home at approximately 9pm. The neighbour expressed confusion at the child’s statement, which explained why the others were never seen playing outside.

She recounted discussing the matter with another tenant, who then entered the suspect’s residence and confirmed that the children had indeed freed themselves. The tenant further revealed that at approximately 9pm, upon the suspect’s return, they heard the children crying.  This caused further alarm among the residents, who were deeply concerned about the situation within the house.  

According to the tenant, the suspect allegedly beat the children with two broomsticks, inflicting injuries all over their bodies.  The suspect was reportedly heard demanding why they had eaten her cornflakes and fish. The tenant informed this publication that another neighbour stated she would contact her child to alert the police.

Confronted

The neighbour’s child then confronted the suspect, who admitted that the children had eaten her food and were urinating inappropriately. This exchange was reportedly recorded.

Furthermore, the tenant revealed that while the police were contacted, they did not respond promptly.

However, the Siphumelele community police responded swiftly and gained entry to the residence. They made the shocking discovery of the two children in the bathroom, one with a severe, bleeding head wound and the body was shaking uncontrollably, indicating a critical condition.

The tenant revealed that by this point, residents had gathered outside, expressing their anger and demanding justice.  The tenant highlighted that, upon discovering the children, residents repeatedly asked the suspect about the children’s parentage, to which she maintained that they belonged to her pastor.

The pastor was subsequently contacted, and while he acknowledged knowing the children were in the suspect’s care, he claimed to be unaware of their condition. The tenant claimed that the pastor had never visited the children.

However, the pastor claimed to have sent money, food and clothing, which the tenants refuted, stating that the children lacked adequate clothing.

The tenant mentioned that, upon returning to the children and seeing the critically injured child’s deteriorating state, the police arrived and transported the children and the suspect to custody.

The children were taken to Nhlangano Health Centre. Tragically, the four-year-old child, who sustained the most and severe injuries, died while receiving medical treatment.

Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are ongoing. According to community police member Nkosinathi Nyamane, they received a call regarding a severe situation involving a child with a significant bleeding wound. Nyamane provided further details, stating that the suspect’s biological children were grouped together and questioned. He also noted that the abused children were severely malnourished, exhibiting signs of kwashiorkor. They were reportedly incontinent and had been forced to drink from the toilet bowl. Nyamane emphasised that children should be nurtured and protected, and that violence against them is unacceptable.  He stated that the law would take its course. He asked for prayers for the children and called upon all organisations to prioritise child welfare.

Questioning

The woman responsible for their care has been apprehended by the Royal Eswatini Police Service and is expected to face charges, including child abuse and culpable homicide. The pastor who entrusted the children to her care will also be subject to questioning.

It is worth noting that in 2018, this publication reported that a mother kept her disabled child locked for 12 hours as she had to go to work. Also, in 2019, this publication reported that while many parents openly gloat about their children, a certain woman resorted to locking her grandchild because he is physically challenged. This was the sad story of a minor who was always locked inside a house at Mhlaleni in Matsapha due to the fact that he has a disability. 

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