Umlazi, Durban – The search for five-year-old Ntobeko Simphiwe Xaba, who was reported missing last Friday, has ended in tragedy. His body was recovered today from a river along Mandela Road near Tropica in Umlazi.

Ntobeko, a Grade R learner at Isipingo Primary School, was last seen playing outside his home in Q Section, Umlazi, on 22 August 2025. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a yellow track top and navy blue shorts.

The case quickly drew attention after Ntobeko’s mother reportedly received a call demanding a ransom of R50,000 for the child’s safe return. Community members suspected a neighbour of abducting the child, although police had not confirmed this at the time.

Earlier today, the child’s body was retrieved from the river after the suspect, who had since been arrested in Harding, allegedly pointed out the location.

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Conflicting Allegations

During police questioning, the suspect reportedly claimed that the child’s mother had given her the child to stage a kidnapping and demand ransom from the boy’s father. The mother, who works at a hair salon in Durban’s city centre, has denied any involvement.

Community members and sources close to the investigation allege that both the mother and the suspect were assaulted by police during interrogation, raising concerns about how confessions were obtained.

Witnesses say that when the body was recovered, part of the child’s head appeared to be missing. It remains unclear whether this was caused by impact when he was thrown into the water or by other means. Police have not yet confirmed the cause of these injuries.

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Community in Mourning

Residents of Umlazi are devastated by the discovery. One local recalled that during the search, someone had seen an object being thrown into the river from a bridge, but the information was not acted upon due to the strong water flow at the time.

The child’s death has left the community demanding justice and answers about what really happened in the days following his disappearance.

Police have not yet released the names of the suspect or confirmed the role of the mother in the case. Investigations are ongoing.

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