A couple who allegedly forced a 12-year-old boy to eat his own faces has appeared at the Queenstown Magistrates Court in the Eastern Cape.

The couple, Asanda Mkoko, 39, and Ayabulela Yolanda Buso, 28, has been charged with attempted murder, child abuse and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Anelisa Ngcakani, said the state had alleged in court that on Saturday 5 June 2021, a 12-year-old boy was playing together with his friends at Nkululekweni Township in Komani (Queenstown) when he suddenly had an urge to relieve himself.

“He allegedly then relieved himself at the gate of the couple’s home,” Ngcakani said.

“It is alleged that while he was busy relieving himself the couple approached him and assaulted him with a broom. As the child apologised, the two allegedly told the boy that they would never accept his apology unless he ate his feaces,” Ngcakani said.

“It is alleged that they then forced the boy to eat it and released him afterwards. The boy went and reported what allegedly happened to members of the community who in turn reported the matter to the police,” Ngcakani said.

Police arrested Mkoko and Buso on Monday 7 June 2021.

The case was postponed to 15 June 2021 for the couple’s formal bail application.

“The NPA will oppose bail,” Ngcakani said.

A Komani couple has appeared at the Queenstown Magistrates Court in the Eastern Cape after allegedly forcing a 12-year-old boy to eat his own faeces.

The couple, Asanda Mkoko, 39, and Ayabulela Yolanda Buso, 28, has been charged with attempted murder, child abuse and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Anelisa Ngcakani, said the state had alleged in court that on Saturday 5 June 2021, a 12-year-old boy was playing together with his friends at Nkululekweni Township in Komani (Queenstown) when he suddenly had an urge to relieve himself.

“He allegedly then relieved himself at the gate of the couple’s home,” Ngcakani said.

“It is alleged that while he was busy relieving himself the couple approached him and assaulted him with a broom. As the child apologised, the two allegedly told the boy that they would never accept his apology unless he ate his feaces,” Ngcakani said.

“It is alleged that they then forced the boy to eat it and released him afterwards. The boy went and reported what allegedly happened to members of the community who in turn reported the matter to the police,” Ngcakani said.

Police arrested Mkoko and Buso on Monday 7 June 2021.

The case was postponed to 15 June 2021 for the couple’s formal bail application.

“The NPA will oppose bail,” Ngcakani said.