MBOMBELA – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lt Genl Mondli Zuma, strongly condemned  the senseless and barbaric incident in which a 12-year-old girl was brutally murdered at Mmamethlake, near Siyabuswa late last year. According to information at police disposal, the girl’s body was found in bushes by a passer-by on Monday, December 11, 2017. Two suspects, Job Ratsela (45) and Calvin Maluleka (54), were arrested in connection with the murder. The duo appeared in the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on Thursday, January 11, 2018. They were remanded in custody and will reappear in the same court on January 23 for a formal bail application.

The victim was reportedly last seen by her family around 23:30 on Saturday, December 9. Upon the discovery of the body on December 11, the police were informed and all role-players were summoned to the scene where the victim was declared dead. According to the girl’s family, they were about to report her as missing on the day the body was discovered.

Her naked body, with severe wounds, was found in a tree. Upon closer scrutiny, it appeared as if a small part of her tongue was missing.

The SAPD want to reiterate the fact that a person may be reported as missing as soon as there is reason to believe that it is, in fact, the case. There is no need to wait 24 hours anymore, as this practice jeopardises the chances of finding or rescuing a victim timeously.

“Actions such as these alleged to have been committed by this duo are gruesome in nature and are being condemned in the strongest possible terms. I find it very upsetting that two adult males can commit such a brutal act against such a young child, not to mention dumping her naked body in the bushes. Though I am elated over the arrest of the perpetrators, the loss of a precious life is being mourned,” the Commissioner concluded.

Submitted by: Brig Leonard Hlathi
Subeditor: Lynette Brink