Overview

• Police report that a 12-year-old was beaten, doused with petrol and set alight on 12 September in Nkondwane Location, Centane, after being accused of theft while playing football.
• The child was first treated at Butterworth Hospital, transferred to Frere Hospital in East London, and died of his injuries on 15 September.
• Three suspects aged 30 to 31 were arrested and appeared at the Centane Magistrates’ Court on 19 September, where they were remanded to return on 7 October.
• SAPS publicly confirmed the arrests and remand in a statement shared on 19 September as the investigation continues.
• Children’s-rights activist Petros Majola condemned the attack and urged community support for the victim’s family and sustained accountability in court.