Six-year-old boy kidnapped, killed and hanged

A six-year-old Bulilima boy was kidnapped on Monday and found hanging from a tree two days later.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nkosilathi Sibanda said police suspected the boy was killed before he was hanged on the tree.

He said Tumeliso Ndlovu's body was discovered by a neighbour who alerted other villagers.

"The neighbour came across the body of six-year-old Tumelo hanging by a rope from a tree. He recognised the boy and alerted villagers," said Ass Insp Sibanda.

He said Tumeliso was a grade one pupil at Bambadzi Primary and had gone missing after he was called by an old woman who promised him sweets and money, when he was on his way home from school.

Asst Insp Sibanda said the boy left his friends and followed the woman.

He said his family became worried when it became late and launched a search for him.

Asst Insp Sibanda said adult footprints were seen around the tree on which Tumeliso was hanged, leading police to conclude that he was murdered.

He said a motive had not been established for the killing.

Asst Insp Sibanda appealed to members of the public with information on the case to contact their nearest police station or Madlambuzi Police Station on 0776 133 875.