A man charged with the murder of a seven year old boy at Phoenix, north of Durban has pleaded not guilty to the crime.
The twenty-nine-year old accused – who is closely related to the child – made his first appearance in the Verulam Magistrates court, on the same day as the boy was laid to rest. It’s alleged that he strangled the boy to death at a park on Sunday night and also attempted to kill his four-year-old sister.
The man is reportedly divorced from his wife but is allowed to spend time with the children over weekends. The incident has sparked outrage from community members – who are still battling to come to terms with the murder of nine-year-old Shahiel Sewpujun, just two years ago.
Newsbreak’s Rachel Vadi compiled this report.