Toddler castrated by uncle

A MAN who castrated his three-year-old nephew’s genitals last week in KwaMbonambi is now facing the consequences of his gruesome act.

Charged with attempted murder, Sibusiso Gagu Mthethwa (26) appeared in the KwaMbonambi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, but the case was remanded to 1 July to allow further investigation by the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

According to the KwaMbonambi SAPS, the tragic incident occurred at around 11am last Wednesday while the young victim was playing with other toddlers.

Police said Mthethwa is believed to have arrived at the scene to use a knife to ‘amputate the minor’s whole scrotum and penis’.

‘When we got to the scene of the crime, the suspect was found lying down with his hands tied up and surrounded by members of the community,’ said KwaMbonambi SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Aubrey Bongani Msane.

‘He was identified and the minor’s private parts as well as the knife used to commit the crime, was found in the washing bin.’

The injured boy was rushed to Ngwelezane Hospital where Msane interviewed his aunt.

‘She told us that the suspect is her elder brother and the victim’s uncle,’ said Msane.

‘She also said the victim’s mother passed away in November and his father is studying in Durban.’

The child is currently still recovering at Ngwelezane.

Family members said Mthethwa is ‘mentally disturbed’.

He is being kept under mental observation until his next court appearance.