…Researched and contributed by Jack Sylva.
A three-year-old toddler, Olunje Bolisi, was allegedly axed to death by a relative, leaving his father, Simlindile Pikwa, heartbroken.
The father and son were on their way to a funeral in the Eastern Cape when he dropped his child off at the Covid-19 informal settlement in Mfuleni, Kraaifontein.
The grandmother, who was looking after the toddler, had left him on a bed at a relative’s place, where the tragedy occurred.
Pikwa arrived at the scene to find forensic officers had already taken the child away. No explanation of what had happened was offered to him.
The grandmother’s ex-boyfriend, who had a protection order against her, told the police that she and the relative were responsible for Olunje’s death.
The police have arrested a 50-year-old suspect in connection with the murder, and he will appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court after being charged.
The police have confirmed that the circumstances surrounding the murder are still under investigation.
Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the family and said he did not want to share the details of the killing.
He noted that it was someone the family had trusted, and who was close to the family, who committed the act.
Although an arrest had been made, he acknowledged that it did not ease the family’s pain.
The body of the toddler will be transported to the Eastern Cape for burial.