MTHATHA - Police arrested a 22-year-old male after an 11-year-old girl was found dead in her home, Kaplani locality outside Mthatha on 20 July 2022.

It is alleged that the deceased child was at home getting ready for school while her mother had already left for work. The child’s mother alleged that she received a call from her daughter informing her that someone is trying to push open the door.

The complainant phoned her neighbour who is also a relative to go and check on her daughter. A known male was seen leaving passing the house. The person was questioned and he alleged that he was looking for the victim’s mother.

The neighbour went into the house and found the girl with a stab wound in the upper body.

Police were alerted and the suspect was arrested in the same area. The suspect is also related to the deceased. The community also severely assaulted him.

A case of murder and rape is under investigation and the suspect is expected to appear in court soon.

Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene has welcomed the arrest. “However, it must be noted that such heinous and callous incidents of gender based violence and femicide must be fought by all sectors of society, and it is disheartening to observe that victims are not even safe in the hands of their relatives. We also condemn incidents of mob justice in any shape or form,” added Lt Gen Mene

Source: South African Police Service