A mother’s worst nightmare became a painful reality when she learned that her nine-year-old son, Nkosinathi Gqibathole, had been found dead, and the suspected killer was her own 36-year-old stepson. The tragic events began when Zukiswa Gqibathole, from Snake Park in Alra Park, Nigel, grew worried after her son did not return home on the night of Sunday, 1 December. After a restless night, she reported him missing to the police on Monday, 2 December.
The following day, Zukiswa was led to the scene where a body was found in the street. To her horror, she identified her son only by his trousers, as his body had been partially buried and was severely burned. “It seems the killer tried to burn his body after killing him,” Zukiswa said, visibly shaken. She described her overwhelming grief upon discovering the extent of her son’s injuries.
The most shocking revelation came shortly after, when Zukiswa was informed that her stepson was the prime suspect. “I couldn’t believe it. My stepson would never do something like that,” she said. Zukiswa had always trusted her stepson, who had been respectful and loving towards his younger brother. However, upon visiting the suspect’s home, she found a bloody knife on the gate, confirming the horrifying truth.
Residents of the area were in shock and anger after learning the identity of the alleged killer. Many expressed fear, calling the stepson a danger to the community. In a moment of collective outrage, residents burned down the suspect’s shack. The stepson has since been arrested and is expected to appear in court on 9 December.
According to community leader and gender-based violence activist Sinethemba Shabalala, a neighbour had witnessed the suspect dragging something in the early hours of Thursday, 5 December. Upon further investigation, the body was discovered, and the police were alerted. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that an inquest was opened following the discovery of the decomposed body, and the suspect was arrested after initial investigations.
