Sowetan

Uncle bust for Talla’s murder

Family shocked by the news of his arrest

- By Alex Patrick – TimesLIVE

Three weeks after the lifeless body of four-year-old Shaynice Talla was found discarded in a drain‚ her uncle will appear in court for her murder.

The toddler was found after a community search in Eldorado Park Extension 2‚ south of Johannesbu­rg‚ on September 27.

Talla had been killed and tossed into an open drain at the top of a koppie notorious for hiding drug users and criminals in the area.

Police spokesman Captain Kay Makhubele confirmed that Talla’s 26-year-old uncle was arrested for her murder and will appear in court today.

Her death sparked outrage and the community asked for military assistance to curb the rampant crime in the area.

At the time her body was discovered‚ a member of the community known to police was taken in for questionin­g. He was later released.

Talla’s aunt, Nita Mackay, said the family was in shock after receiving news that her cousin was arrested for the crime. “He was one of our children ... He even helped us search for the little girl.”

Makhubele said Talla’s autopsy results were still pending and that he could not say whether she was raped or not.

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