The Knysna Police arrested a 51-year-old suspect yesterday afternoon, Sunday, February 15, in connection with the disappearance and murder of Abongile Zama Mani of Khayalethu, Knysna.
Knysna Police arranged a search party on Friday, February 13 shortly after the boy’s mother reported him missing at about 21:00.
According to initial reports, the child disappeared shortly after his arrival at the Fraaisig Primary School early that morning. However, it was later established that he never attended classes on the day. Following his mother's report that Mani was missing, police immediately commenced with a search comprising Knysna Police officers, the K9 Dog Unit with a search and rescue dog, representatives of the Knysna Municipality Disaster Management team, Knysna Forensic Pathology Service, Metro Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMS), ER 24, Knysna Community Police Forum (CPF) members, neighbourhood watch volunteers and members of the community. This search was coordinated from a joint operational centre for two days.
Information was obtained that the child was last seen in the presence of the suspect on Friday morning. The suspicion that Mani could have been lured away by the suspect intensified the search and investigation to find the boy. Further investigation and video footage led police to the residence of the suspect. However, it transpired that he had been taken into custody by members of the community. He was interrogated and revealed the whereabouts of the missing boy.
The suspect led police to a footpath in dense bushes near Howard Street in Hunters Home where the boy's body, still fully clothed, was found. He had a shoe lace around his neck. The motive for this tragic murder is still under investigation.
An autopsy will determine the exact cause of death later this week.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Knysna Magistrates Çourt tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17. He faces charges of abduction and murder
Police management has condemned this horrific deed and thanked everybody who had participated in the search. The community were also commended for their commitment and determination to ensure that the suspect is brought to book.
According to a family member, Abongile grew up at Dorothy Broster Children's Home, but social workers returned him to his parents at the end of 2014. The social worker who dealt with his case was inconsolable and her supervisor told this reporter that she helped the family to buy Mani's new school clothes at the beginning of this year. It was to be a new beginning for the whole family. He lived with his brother Aviwe (15) and his parents in Khayalethu.
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