Relatives linked to killing of schoolboy

A relative of Shahiel Sewpujan is to be arrested and charged for the nine-year-old's murder as soon as she is discharged from hospital.

She was admitted into hospital after attempting suicide.

KwaZulu-Natal police yesterday said that the woman apparently ingested brake fluid on Saturday while hundreds of Phoenix community members were searching for the boy, then reported missing.

The police added that she is under police guard.

Police spokesman Major Thulani Zwane said: "As soon as she is discharged, she will face a murder charge."

He said another relative, who also tried to commit suicide, was also being investigated for her role in the boy's death.

Two men, including the lover of Shahiel's mother, were arrested on Sunday shortly after the boy's mutilated body was found wrapped in an orange plastic bag in a manhole in Phoenix, Durban.

Zwane said: "The boyfriend was released today [yesterday] as CCTV footage showed he was at work on the day of the incident."

The boy disappeared on his way to Clayhaven Primary School on Thursday morning.

Shahiel's disappearance sparked a massive search party in Phoenix.

A private helicopter, sniffer dogs, police officers, private security officials and over 1000 residents searched for Shahiel until a group of women made the horrific discovery on Sunday.

Shahiel's paternal aunt, Ishila Ramdari, said: "I can't even imagine what our baby went through when he suffered such torture."

His teacher, Felicia Deepnarian, said: " A little soul has been snatched away."