As South Africa prepares to observe Child Protection Week, and in the midst of ongoing gender-based violence campaigns, an eNseleni family is grieving the loss of their teenage daughter in horrific circumstances.

According to the DA’s King Cetshwayo Constituency Chair Muzi Mtshali, the girl’s half-naked body was found near the eNseleni library early on Sunday morning.

Her throat was slit. Details are sketchy at this point, but initial reports indicate she may have been attacked where her body was found.

“Recent Saps oversight visits have shown how government has allowed the police force to degenerate almost beyond repair,” said Mtshali.

“This must change if innocent lives are to be saved.

“Our communities cannot tolerate gender-based violence and rape, and we can no longer watch our youth be brutalised and murdered on a daily basis.”

Mtshali called for the perpetrators to be brought to book and removed from the community.