SARAH BAARTMAN DISTRICT – The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has condemned the brutal killing of a 05-year-old Alexandria girl whose body was found early this morning at her uncle’s house in Pendu Street in Kwanonqubela.

It is alleged that at about 05:40 this morning, police were alerted by the suspect (the child’s uncle) of a person being assaulted at his house. On arrival, detectives found the brutally battered body of a 05-year-old girl lying on the lounge floor. The suspect was very drunk and incoherent to give an account of what has happened.

The victim, Siphenathi Xhali sustained multiple wounds on her body. It is suspected that she was murdered with a spade which was later found in a neighbour’s yard. It is also suspected that the child may have been raped. The post mortem will be conducted to verify such suspicion.

The child was taken during the early hours of this morning from the neighbour’s house. It is alleged that the child’s mother had dropped her off at about 14:00 on Friday, 02 December 2022 at her father’s house in the same area. The father in turn left the child at the neighbour’s house.

The 43-year-old suspect is detained on a charge of murder and is expected to appear in the Kenton-On-Sea Magistrate’s Court early next week. Pending the results of the post mortem report, an additional charge of rape may be added.

Lt Gen Mene has stated that the brutality of gender-based violence is extremely concerning. ‘It is alarming that communities fail to protect our children. Many are killed by the people they know, love and trust. These people are cruel and heartless and must be dealt with decisively more especially when it comes to women and children. Such tragedy is extremely disturbing especially when the country is commemorating 16 Days of No Violence against Women and Children. It is time that everyone unites to end this devastating social ill in our society,’ added Lt Gen Mene.

Source: South African Police Service