POLOKWANE - A 31-year-old woman has been arrested today 10 December 2022 alongside her elder sister and their two children following the death of her 12-year-old daughter on Thursday 08 December 2022 at Mapayeni village under Giyani Policing area.

The suspects were arrested after further probe into the matter revealed that the child succumbed to her injuries after she was assaulted on Wednesday 07 December 2022. This after she allegedly went out and failed to return home. The mother reportedly called her elder sister aged 37, who resides in the same village to accompany her to look for the child and they were joined by their two teenage boys both aged 15.

The child was then located and taken home. Upon arrival, the suspects allegedly assaulted the girl and thereafter instructed her to bath and locked her inside the room.

The following day, the mother called the Police and informed them that she was surprised to find her dead inside her room.

Police conducted their investigation and upon inspection of the body they discovered that the deceased's had visible injuries and that she was assaulted. A case of murder was opened and transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit.

The suspects were then arrested and will be charged with murder. They are expected to appear before the Giyani Magistrate's Court on Monday 12 December 2022. The case against the two minors will be dealt with in terms of the Child Justice Act.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the members for the excellent investigation which ensured that the suspects are exposed for their dubious acts and hoped justice prevails for the victim.

Source: South African Police Service