WARNING – GRAPHIC CONTENT: The six-year-old boy was found covered in blood and unable to see properly due to the pepper spray which was sprayed in his eyes and face
A six year old boy was left for dead, covered in blood and with his genitals mutilated in what is feared to be a barbaric act of voodoo or Satanism.
The young boy was discovered in a ditch, pepper-sprayed, castrated, and crying out in agony amidst the South African bush. Locals were drawn to his desperate screams and found him smeared in his own blood, initially thinking he had been stabbed, only to uncover the gruesome truth of his castration.
He was found near a gold mine in the Blue Skye informal settlement, barely alive from the severe blood loss, as reported by The Mail Online. The community of Boksburg in Gauteng Province has been left reeling from the attack, with parents gripped by fear for their own children’s safety.
One terrified resident, who remained anonymous due to fear of retaliation, expressed their horror: “Who would do such a thing to such a little boy – it really is the cruellest of the cruel. To pepper spray the little boy is bad enough but to cut off his genitals is just barbaric and that kid will have mental issues for the rest of his life.”
Another local voiced fears over the motive: “The rumours are it is Satanism or taking body parts for a voodoo ritual but this little boy will now not be able to have children ever.”, reports the Mirror US.
Local resident Chantel Naude expressed her fears, saying: “I am considering moving out of the area as we feel unsafe as I have boys as well and don’t want them attacked as well. I know the boy and he is often around looking for a bit of food or a bit of loose change and he gets by and is always smiling and is always polite.
“He was found out in an overgrown field with his genitals missing and unable to see properly due to the pepper spray which is dreadfully painful on its own.”
Despite inquiries, the emergency service did not confirm if both his penis and testes were removed. Meanwhile, Colonel Matshedeso Mbele from Boksburg South African Police Station confirmed an investigation into attempted murder is underway.
Colonel Mbele opted not to comment on the ghastly injuries due to their sensitive nature and stated it is still unknown whether adults or older children are responsible for the attack.
She further mentioned the assault took place on March 1, with paramedics swiftly attending the scene to take the victim to hospital; thankfully, he is now reported to be in a stable condition.