Overview
- The boy, Muhammad Wali, disappeared from outside his home on Monday and his body was found stuffed in a sack near Lea Market the following night.
- Local residents detained a neighbour identified as Hamza and handed him to Napier police, who formally arrested him as the prime suspect.
- Investigators say the suspect gave a recorded confession that includes admission of sexual assault and killing, though he also offered an alternate account that is being checked.
- Police are collecting forensic evidence, recording witness statements and awaiting the Civil Hospital post-mortem while the suspect was remanded to police custody for further interrogation.
- The family, who say Wali was their only son, have appealed for swift justice and the case has prompted local outrage and renewed calls for stronger child-protection and transparent prosecutions.