Eastern Cape, South Africa – A disturbing incident in Eastern Cape underscores the ongoing crisis of violence against women and children in the region. Police discovered the body of a six-year-old girl hidden under a bed in NU 13 Inyibiba near Mdantsane. The child, reported missing on Thursday, December 7, 2023, had been absent since the previous day.
According to South African Police Service, On the evening of December 7, police responded to a call at a house in the area following a community-led search for the missing child, based on received information. Upon their arrival, officers faced hostility from the local community. After backup was called, the police were able to enter the premises. Outside the house, they found a severely injured, unclothed male who later died from his injuries. During the search inside the house, authorities found the young girl’s body under a bed, wrapped in plastic.
The police suspect the child may have been a victim of rape, a fact that will be determined by the post-mortem examination. Currently, two murder investigations are underway: one for the child and another for the alleged perpetrator, who was fatally assaulted by the community.
Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene, the Provincial Commissioner, expressed profound sorrow over this tragic incident, occurring during the 16 days of Activism against violence towards women and children. She stressed the importance of vigilance and education in protecting children from sexual predators. While recognizing the high emotions surrounding the case, Lt Gen Mene emphasized that vigilantism is not a solution and that the rule of law must be upheld. She condemned any form of violence and urged collective efforts to address the root causes of such crimes, ensuring the safety of women and children through legal means. Lt Gen Mene extended her deepest condolences to the family of the young victim.