Six-year-old was found dead in a neighbour’s yard

Another innocent child has died.

The incident happened during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.

Boithakgatso Komane (6) of Praktiseer Dark City was found dead in a neighbour’s yard on Friday.

Tubatse SAPS arrested Levy Nangoma (28) for allegedly raping and killing the girl.

Also read: Woman’s body discovered, search for others continue

He appeared in the Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

He has abandoned bail and his case was postponed to February 1.

“It is alleged that the victim was playing with other children in the neighbourhood when her mother noticed that she had disappeared and started to search for her, with assistance of the community. The SAPS were called and proceeded with the search operation. The child’s body was discovered dumped in a neighbour’s yard.

“The police immediately commenced a manhunt for the suspect who was said to be residing in the same street as the victim. He was found hiding in a neighbour’s yard and immediately arrested. Preliminary investigations conducted at scene suggest that the victim was raped before she was killed,” revealed Limpopo SAPS spokesman, Brig Motlafelo Mojapelo.

Also read: Anti-gender-based violence campaign gains momentum

The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, has commended the police for their prompt response that led to the arrest within hours of the crime being committed.

Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Sekhukhune District Municipality, Stanley Ramaila, said he was disturbed by the senseless killing.

Ramaila applauded the police for their swift action in arresting the suspect. “The killing and any form of abuse of our children is a crisis that all of us in society must confront and deal with.

“Even more disturbing, is that this gruesome killing happened at a time when we are in the middle of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. As President Cyril Ramaphosa has repeatedly said, ‘Violence against women (and children) is a man’s problem. It is men who rape and kill (them).’

“Surely, men in particular must take the lead and stop this crisis that has reduced women and children to hunted victims,” the mayor said.

“We want to pass our heartfelt condolences to the Komane family. We are hoping that the criminal justice system will deal with the matter and ensure there’s justice for the girl.”