South African Woman Admits Killing 5-Year-Old Boy in Failed Kidnap Plot
A South African woman has pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and murder of a five-year-old boy, reigniting fears for children’s safety and the devastating effects of violence towards children.
Sibongile Happiness Ngwadla, 40, pleaded guilty in the Durban High Court to kidnapping and murdering Simphiwe Ntobeko Xaba in August 2025, which was part of an extortion attempt involving a demand for R60,000.
The plea statement filed in court says Ngwadla kidnapped Simphiwe on August 22 and brought him to the informal settlement of Ezimeleni where she allegedly detained him and sent messages to his mother asking for money to be released.
The court heard that Ngwadla had called Ntombifikile Xaba, the mother of the child, on a burner phone, saying her son had been kidnapped and that she had to pay via an eWallet transfer.
Ngwadla stated that she picked on the child due to her resentment towards his mother, who she accused of introducing her to online gambling, and for not supporting her when she had financial problems related to gambling debts.
She was found guilty of murder, kidnapping and attempted extortion.
The case has raised the alarm for the need to improve child protection systems to stop children from being victims of violence, exploitation and revenge attacks. Child protection professionals state that children are particularly vulnerable when adults are involved in conflict and should never be used as a means to financial demands or personal grievances.
The court proceedings are a first step towards accountability for Simphiwe’s family, but also a reminder of the tragedy that many families experience when their children are injured as a result of violence.
The case will be heard again as the court decides the sentence for Ngwadla.
