Mom is a murder suspect

SOCIAL Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza was devastated to learn about the murder of 6-yearold Alexia Nyamadzawo during the commemoration of Child Protection Week – May 31 to June 7.

Alexia’s body was found in Glendale near Kwadukuza, on the Kwazulu-natal North Coast on Tuesday after her mother had reported to police that she had been kidnapped on Sunday.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker said Alexia’s mother Fungai Nyamadzawo, 42, appeared in the Umhlali Magistrate’s Court yesterday and was facing charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice, kidnapping and perjury.

She is expected to appear in court on June 10 for a formal bail hearing.

Alexia’s body was found in a sugar cane plantation with the help of the SAPS K9 Search and Rescue Unit.

Naicker said Umhlali police had received a report of Alexia’s alleged kidnapping on Sunday evening.

He said Alexia’s mother had told the police that she was travelling on Glendale Road, near Shayamoya, when the kidnapping occurred.

“According to the mother, when she approached a speed hump in the road near Shayamoya, an unknown man opened the door of her vehicle. He snatched the 6-year-old girl who was sleeping on the rear seat. The mother fled and reported the matter to the police,” Naicker said.

Police are still establishing the motive and cause of the girl’s death. It is alleged she had been strangled.

Alexia had attended Grade 1 at Umhlali Preparatory School.

Her family could not be reached for comment nor was any family present in court.

National Child Protection Week is commemorated annually to raise awareness about children’s rights.

Khoza lauded the police for their sterling work. “It was devastating to learn about the kidnapping and then murder of this child. One death of a child is too many. Children need to be protected and loved at all times.

“Communities must respect and protect children’s rights. Child protection is not just an event but a lifetime commitment. We want to see the suspect facing the full might of the law. She must not be released on bail.”