Ndudi Anyim
The Durban High Court has sentenced 46-year-old Mohammed Vahed Ebrahim, to 25 years imprisonment for the murder of a 10-year-old boy, Miguel Louw.
Ebrahim reportedly kidnapped the boy, primary school pupil in 2018, and later killed and dumped his body at a bush on Longbury Drive in Phoenix.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who confirmed the sentence of the accused, said seasoned detectives attached to Provincial Organised Crime Unit worked diligently to ensure justice.
He said a case of kidnapping was first opened for investigation at Sydenham SAPS and the docket was transferred to the Provincial Organised Crime Unit for further investigation.
“Following his disappearance, Police launched an extensive search for the missing child.
The investigating officer and other role players, who assisted in the search for the missing boy, conducted a thorough investigation.
“On September 3, 2018, the decomposed remains of a child were found in the bushes close to the accused’s residence on Longbury Drive in Phoenix. A case of murder was registered at the Phoenix Police station. An in-depth investigation was finalised and Mohammed Vahed Ebrahim was finally arrested and tried in court.
“During the course of the investigation, it was established that the accused stole the identity document of the deceased’s mother as well as Miguel’s birth certificate. It emerged that the documents were used to lure the child when he was kidnapped. An additional charge of theft was also added to the charge sheet.
“He was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder, eight years imprisonment for kidnapping and 18 months imprisonment for theft. The sentences will run concurrently. We hope this sentence will give comfort to the family and everyone that demanded for justice to be served.
“We are glad that this heinous crime was solved and that the perpetrator will remain behind bars for a long time. We remain committed to bring justice to all victims of crime in this province,” Mkhwanazi said.