The body of a five-year-old girl who drowned while trying to flee a rapist was found on the banks of a Durban river on Tuesday, police said.
Superintendent Daniela Veldhuizen said the girl, Nosisi Mnukwa, and three friends were walking along the banks of the Mbokodweni (formerly Umbogintwini) River on their way to the beach. The four were accosted by a man who, it is believed, wanted to rape them.
A struggle ensued and only after the man was bitten by one of the children did he let go of another child.
The children escaped by jumping into the water of the river. When Nosisi failed to join the others local search for her, but to no avail.
Her body washed up lower down the river and was found on Tuesday afternoon near the golf course of the Amanzimtoti Country Club, through which it flows.
Police have opened an inquest docket. — Sapa