Zeelugt child murder: suspect confesses

June 7 2026

The 23-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the murder of seven-year-old Adriel Mohamed has confessed to the crime, according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum.

Blanhum disclosed that investigators confronted the suspect with digital evidence placing him at the scene at the time of the attack.

According to the Crime Chief, ” the suspect was confronted with compelling digital evidence which showed him at the crime scene at the material time.”

He further stated, “Being unable to deny his presence at the crime scene, the suspect confessed to investigators the gruesome details…”

Police said the suspect also admitted that the knife recovered from the scene belonged to him.

Investigations revealed that before entering the victims’ home, the suspect had entered a nearby yard but retreated after hearing movements inside.

In his haste, he reportedly left behind a pair of slippers and a music player, both of which he later identified as his.

Detectives are expected to submit the clothing worn by the suspect, along with other items of evidence, for forensic examination.

Further investigations revealed that on the morning after the incident, the suspect’s employer confirmed to police that he reported for work with a visible wound on his hand, an injury that was not present the previous day.

The suspect reportedly admitted that the cut occurred while he was committing the act.

Blanhum also noted that police are unable to release a photograph of the suspect at this time, as an identification parade still has to be conducted and the surviving witness remains hospitalised.