By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
A disturbing case of child torture has come to light in Evander, near Secunda, where a facility was reportedly used to detain and abuse young people.
As a result, two suspects aged between 24 and 29 were reportedly arrested on Wednesday 9 April 2025, and charged for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in a case that is handled by the FCS(Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences) Unit.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane, said one victim has endured traumatic experiences at the hands of unidentified individuals after he was taken from his home on 27 March 2025. The said torture reportedly lasted until 8 April 2025 after he managed to escape.
“ The victim reported being forced to swim in a muddy dam, cover his head in mud, and endured physical assaults with a sjambok and pick pipe. The victim was deprived of adequate food and hygiene during his ordeal,” said Lt-Col Ndubane.
The majority of the victims are said to be underage children and police have raised concern about reports indicating that some of the victims were brought to the facility by their own parents as a form of instilling discipline.
According to Lt-Col Ndubane, the two suspects arrested in connection with the case will appear before the Evander Magistrates Court on Friday 11 April 2025.
The incident was highly condemned by the Acting Provincial Police Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major-General(Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, who called for a thorough investigation in order to hold all the culprits accountable.
