Cape Town police reported the arrest of a 47-year-old male on Wednesday, 21 June 2023, in connection with the murder of an 8-year-old boy who was found deceased in a bed during a sleepover at a friend’s home on 15 June 2023.
Also read: Police launch inquest into the death of a child at a sleepover in Kraaifontein
As reported by IOL, Cape Town police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said, ‘This office can now confirm that Kraaifontein police arrested and detained a 47-year-old male on a charge of murder in Peerless Park North.’
‘The suspect is expected to make a court appearance in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on June 23, 2023, on the mentioned charge.’
According to The Weekend Argus, the child was discovered lifeless in the bed by one of the adults who woke up to use the bathroom and noticed the boy wasn’t breathing.
Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, the police spokesperson, reported, ‘Kraaifontein police received a complaint shortly before midnight on June 15. Upon arriving at the scene, they found the body of a young boy.’
‘The victim was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel. An autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause of death.’
The young boy had frequented the Kraaifontein residence on multiple occasions and was spending the night at his friend’s house. The friend and his father reside in a separate unit on the premises.
A community worker who chose to remain anonymous out of respect for the sensitivity of the matter said, ‘People need to understand that this didn’t happen in the main house but a separate entrance and the boy had visited there about four times and was always happy to be there.’
It was also revealed that the child had sent a text message to a relative, bidding them ‘good night’ prior to the tragic incident.
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