The Story of Mpendulo: A Child Survivor of Brutal GBV
Ntuzuma, KwaZulu-Natal – In a chilling case that highlights the ongoing crisis of gender-based and child-directed violence in South Africa, a young boy named Mpendulo survived a brutal attack at the hands of his own uncle. The incident, which could easily have ended in tragedy, has instead become a powerful story of survival, community action and the fight for justice.
According to the family, Mpendulo was viciously hacked by his uncle and left in the bush, abandoned and presumed dead. By the grace of God, the child regained consciousness around midnight. Severely injured and alone, he gathered the strength to crawl out of the bush to the roadside. There, a passerby noticed him, stopped and called for help. An ambulance arrived and rushed him to hospital, where doctors were able to stabilise him. It was in hospital that Mpendulo, brave despite his pain, was able to identify his attacker.
The police were called, a statement was taken and the perpetrator was arrested. In court, he pleaded guilty. However, despite the seriousness of the crime, the court granted him bail. He then used this opportunity to flee, failing to return for his court appearances and reportedly running to Gauteng Province. For the family, this was a devastating blow. Although a case had been opened, there were no further arrests or progress, and they felt abandoned by the justice system.
Desperate for help, the family reached out to Thuleleni Organisation. As is its practice, Thuleleni visited the family in Ntuzuma, listened carefully to their story and committed to walking the journey with them. The case was then featured on Thuleleni’s programme on Ukhozi FM, giving the story a wider platform and drawing public attention to the injustice the child and his family were facing.Thuleleni also escalated the matter to the office of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner. Only then did the case begin to receive the attention it deserved. The perpetrator was arrested again and once more pleaded guilty. Yet, shockingly, the court again granted him bail – giving him another chance to run.
Determined not to let the case collapse, Thuleleni and its partners continued to push. The story was taken to more stakeholders, including SABC’s Ukhozi FM and later Isolezwe newspaper, which published the story along with the perpetrator’s identity. This public exposure proved critical. Followers of Thuleleni TV based in Gauteng recognised the man and alerted the police. He was arrested again and brought back to KwaZulu-Natal to face his crimes.Throughout this long and painful process, Thuleleni stood by Mpendulo and his family, attending court dates and offering emotional and practical support. Their persistence, together with the courage of the child and his family, finally led to justice.Â
The court found the perpetrator guilty and sentenced him to 15 years in prison.Mpendulo’s story is a stark reminder of the realities of GBV and violence against children, but it is also a testament to the power of community, media and civil society working together. Thuleleni Organisation remains committed to standing with survivors, demanding accountability and ensuring that no child’s cry for justice goes unheard.
Visualising the Path to Recovery: Mpendulo’s Story
Watch how young Mpendulo moves from the trauma of a brutal attack to medical care, justice and healing, with the support of his family, Thuleleni TV and a community that refused to stay silent.
Healing in Focus: Mpendulo's Journey
Capturing moments of recovery and the unwavering support provided by Thuleleni Organisation during Mpendulo's brave return to childhood.
A Journey of Courage
Protective Care
Mpendulo's strength throughout his recovery serves as an inspiration to every survivor of violence.
Through Thuleleni, a specialized network of support ensured that Mpendulo was never alone in his fight for life.
Justice Fulfilled
Restoring dignity and peace to a child who survived the unthinkable, reclaiming his right to be safe and happy.