DUTYWA — A 19-year-old man has appeared in the Dutywa Magistrate’s Court facing murder and kidnapping charges following the death of eight-year-old Olumiyo Gabelana.
Olumiyo was reported missing by his family, who opened a case at the Dutywa police station.
A search operation was subsequently launched, involving police and other law-enforcement officers who worked to trace the missing child.
The search ended tragically on 28 August 2026, when police found Olumiyo’s body at Drayini Location in the Ngcingwane Administrative Area.
According to police, officers found the boy inside a newly built shack. Preliminary information indicated that he had been strangled.
Investigators continued with their probe and gathered information that led them to a 19-year-old man who was later arrested.
The suspect appeared in the Dutywa Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
He faces charges of murder and kidnapping.
The court postponed the matter to 7 September 2026, when the accused is expected to apply for bail.
Police have not disclosed further details about the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance and death, as the investigation is still under way.
Investigators are expected to establish the events leading up to Olumiyo’s disappearance, as well as what happened after he went missing.
The accused has not been convicted of the charges against him and remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
ECNews Live will continue following the matter and provide updates as the case progresses.
