Young Unecebo's story: A call for justice after toilet pit tragedy

It was a tragic incident that shook the nation. On April 18 of last year, little Unecebo Mboteni fell into the toilet at his creche in Unit 6 in Mdantsane. After being brought to the hospital, the child passed away on April 19.

A year later, Amnesty International South Africa is still pursuing justice for the family.

Amnesty International stated on December 10 that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) must immediately review the docket submitted by the South African Police Service regarding the death of three year old  and make a public announcement regarding whether it will proceed with prosecution.

Even though Unecebo passed away more than a year ago after falling into a pit toilet at his preschool, his parents are still awaiting justice and the prosecution of those involved.

As part of its groundbreaking Write for Rights campaign, which inspires hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to take action to improve the lives of those in danger, Amnesty International South Africa is fighting for justice for Unecebo.

When Amnesty International South Africa launched its campaign in September 2025, the family stated that earlier this year, police told them it would take three to four years to complete the investigation into Unecebo's death.

The family was notified in November that the police had completed their investigation and turned the case over to the NPA for prosecution.

"Time will tell if the police investigation was comprehensive enough for the NPA to move forward and ultimately ensure accountability," stated Shenilla Mohamed, Executive Director of Amnesty International South Africa.

"Unecebo and his family deserve justice and the truth, and we cannot let the criminal justice system let them down. To this day, no one — including the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Little Champions Day Care Centre — has taken meaningful responsibility for this tragedy.

Unecebo’s parents still do not even know whether the pit toilet in which he was found has been removed.” In 2022, the oversight of early childhood development (ECD) centres was moved to the DBE. As part of its new role, the department committed to developing infrastructure and resource norms and standards for ECD centres.

Amnesty International South Africa is calling on the department to ensure the eradication of pit toilets at all ECD centres, including committing to not registering new centres which use pit toilets.

The launch of this annual global Write for Rights campaign on International Human Rights Day comes against the backdrop of the spread of authoritarian practices, climate collapse, and the erosion of international law.

This year’s campaign brings people together from around the world to fight for justice, dignity, and a shared future, supporting those who are paying the price for defending human rights and speaking truth to power.

“Despite the stark challenges facing humanity, every year Amnesty witnesses countless people from all over the world coming together to demonstrate the importance of activism and the life-changing power of solidarity.

Among others, this year’s Write for Rights campaign features people on the frontlines of the climate crisis, fighting to protect their communities from droughts, gas flares, development projects and pollution, who urgently need our collective support,” said Shenilla Mohamed.

“We have a choice to make at this critical moment in history: continue to let authoritarian practices erode our freedoms or resist together and stand up for human rights.

''By taking just a few minutes to write a letter, post on social media, or sign a petition, anyone can help change theworld and even save a life. Together we will prove that, even in the most adverse of circumstances, humanity can, must, and will win out.”