KwaZulu-Natal police are offering a R50,000 reward for information that could help locate three-year-old Banele Mshubi, who has been missing for several months.
Banele was last seen in Kokstad in December last year but was only reported missing on 4 January.
His 27-year-old mother was arrested for allegedly failing to report her child missing.
The child's 43-year-old stepfather is facing a murder charge after the mother allegedly told police that he fatally assaulted Banele during an argument over a missing USB device.
Provincial police spokesperson Thenjiswa Ngcobo says both suspects appeared in the Kokstad Magistrate’s Court.
“The mother was released on bail, while the stepfather was remanded in custody for further investigation. The stepfather is also linked to another case of murder in Harding,” Ngcobo said.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Banele’s remains have not been found.
Police are appealing to anyone with credible information that could assist in locating the child or recovering his remains to come forward.
Information can be provided to investigating officer Detective Constable Vincent on 082 334 8610 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Police say all information received will be treated with confidentiality.