Teen Celebrating Birthday Found Dead After Alleged Mob Attack Over Stolen Chicken Feet in Mfuleni

A young man of 18 was discovered in a dam on Sunday in an informal settlement in Mfuleni after going missing on his birthday, reportedly following an attack by locals who accused him of stealing chicken feet.

As stated by the Mfuleni Community Police Forum, Mvano Magula was visiting family in Mfuleni on his birthday, May 9, 2026, when he was attacked and killed.

The family searched for the matric student for a week before receiving the tragic news of his death.

Magula recounted: “The family informed us they were celebrating the deceased’s birthday.

“He had been drinking, and while walking down the street, he took chicken feet from a vendor and consumed them without payment.

“The vendor alerted the community, leading to him being assaulted and thrown into the dam.

“He went missing, and despite the family’s search, he was not found until his body emerged in the dam on Sunday.

“No arrests have been made so far, and the police continue to investigate.”

When contacted by Daily Voice, the family chose not to comment.

Sergeant Wesley Twigg, police spokesperson, confirmed that a murder investigation is underway.

Twigg noted: “Mfuleni police have opened a murder case following the discovery of the body of an 18-year-old male in the Covid informal settlement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

“The victim was reported missing on May 9, 2026, and had sustained injuries. Medical personnel declared him deceased at the scene.

“The circumstances surrounding this case are still being investigated, and no arrests have been made.”

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app anonymously.