KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Mrs Nonhlanhla Khoza, has strongly condemned the gruesome murder of a seven-year-old toddler.

Philasande Shange went missing from his eNtshawini home, Ward 24, KwaDukuza Municipality last Thursday.

Only a few parts of his dismembered body were discovered in a nearby stream and bushes in the Ntshawini area on Sunday after days of frantic search by the family and neighbours.

The family received an SMS from an untraceable number informing them where Philasande's remains could be found.

The family only found a leg and his head and later received another text message informing them that the rest of the body had been sold.

MEC Khoza described the murder of Philasande as barbaric.

"An innocent child's life was cut short by a heartless criminal(s) that need to be traced and prosecuted for their actions. As a society, we cannot continue to live like this anymore. The killing of children set us backward," she said.

MEC Khoza pleaded with the community of eMphithini area to continue supporting the Shange family and share information with the police which could lead to the arrest of Philasande’s killers.

"The gruesome murder of a child is an indication that we have a lot of wickedness in society. We need to work together to ensure the protection of children in our society. We only pray that the criminals can find it in their hearts to direct the toddler's family where to find remains of the mutilated body of Philasande," she said.

MEC Khoza further appealed to the public to share information with law enforcement agencies that can assist in identifying the toddler's killer and tracking down the remaining parts.

Equally, we want the heartless perpetrators of this horrendous crime to pay for their sins, she said.

MEC Khoza sent her heartfelt condolences to the Shange family after losing their child in such a horrible way.

She further deployed a team of social workers to the family to provide psycho-social support.

ISSUED BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT