Cape Town - A New Crossroads family has more questions than answers after their 10-year-old son, whose identity the Cape Times is withholding, was found hanging from a washing line in their yard.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said a death inquest case has been opened.
His lifeless body was discovered as his aunt prepared to hang up washing on Friday.
His uncle said it was “strange” the way he was hanging, for it did not look like a suicide.
He said the rope the child had used was tied so tight it had to be cut from his neck with a knife.
“You would expect the feet of someone who hung himself to be hovering, but his feet were firmly on the ground. He did not mess himself.”
He said on Sunday the incident had not sunk in yet.
The boy’s traumatised mother was the worst affected, crying non-stop.
He said the family was puzzled as the child had not reported bullying or intimidation.
“We are asking ourselves questions that we have no answers to. This child did not show any suicidal signs. Only God knows what happened.”
Provincial Social Development Department spokesperson Sihle Ngobese said: “Child suicide is a very serious issue. We understand this is very traumatic for the family.
“Imagine looking at that lifeless little body. We will send highly qualified counsellors, social workers and therapists.”
Cape Times