Umlazi, Durban – The community of Umlazi has been left in shock and mourning following the tragic discovery of five-year-old Ntobeko Simphiwe Xaba’s body. What began as a desperate search for a missing child has ended in heartbreak after the little boy was found dead in a river near Mandela Road, close to Tropica, on Thursday, 28 August 2025.
The Disappearance
Ntobeko, a Grade R pupil at Isipingo Primary School, was last seen on Friday, 22 August, playing outside his home in Q Section, Umlazi. At the time, he was dressed in a yellow track top and navy-blue shorts. His disappearance triggered panic in the community, with residents mobilising to help in the search.
Shortly after the child was reported missing, his mother allegedly received a disturbing phone call demanding a ransom of R50,000 for his safe return. This detail led to suspicions of a planned kidnapping, with whispers in the neighbourhood suggesting the involvement of someone close to the family.
A Grim Discovery
The breakthrough in the case came when a suspect, arrested in Harding, allegedly led police to the site where the boy’s body had been dumped. Forensic officers later retrieved Ntobeko’s remains from the river. Witnesses described the devastating scene as the child was brought to the surface, with many community members breaking down in tears.
Adding to the horror, those who saw the body reported that part of the boy’s head appeared to be missing. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the injury was caused before his death, during the act of being thrown into the river, or by natural forces while submerged.
Conflicting Allegations
The investigation has since taken a troubling turn. During questioning, the suspect reportedly accused Ntobeko’s mother of orchestrating the abduction in an attempt to extract money from the boy’s father. According to this version, she had allegedly handed her son over willingly. The mother, however, has vehemently denied any involvement, insisting she is being falsely implicated.
Concerns have also been raised about the manner in which police obtained statements. Both the mother and the suspect were allegedly assaulted during interrogation, sparking questions about the reliability of the confessions and whether due process was followed.
Community Grief and Anger
The discovery has shaken Umlazi deeply. Residents recall that during the search, someone had spotted an object being thrown into the river from a bridge, but this lead was not pursued due to the fast-flowing water at the time. For many, this has added to the pain of wondering whether the tragedy could have been prevented.
Local leaders and community members have expressed outrage and grief, demanding justice for Ntobeko. The boy’s death has also reignited conversations about the safety of children in South Africa and the urgent need for stronger child protection measures.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have yet to release the names of the arrested suspect or confirm whether the mother is formally implicated. The cause of death is still under forensic investigation, and authorities say they are working to uncover the full truth behind the child’s abduction and murder.
For now, Umlazi mourns the loss of a young life taken far too soon. Ntobeko Xaba’s tragic story has not only devastated his family but also left a scar on the entire community, which continues to call for answers, accountability, and above all, justice.
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