Family arrested after 12-year-old girl is beaten to death
The 12-year-old girl's mother from Mapayeni village was shocked to discover her daughter dead in her room the following morning.
LIMPOPO – The mother (31), aunt (37), brother (15) and cousin (15) of a 12-year-old girl were arrested in Mapayeni village after she was discovered dead in her room last Thursday (December 8).
According to the investigation that led to the arrest of her family, the girl failed to return home at a certain time on Wednesday (December 7).
Her mother noticed this and gathered her son, sister and nephew to search for her.
“When they found her they took her home and reportedly assaulted her to a grievous extent, after which the girl was ordered to bathe and was then locked inside her room. The following day, the mother called the police as she was surprised to find her daughter dead inside her room,” Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said in a statement.
Upon inspection of the body, the officials noted the deceased had visible injuries and showed clear signs that she was assaulted.
A case of murder was opened and transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit.
The family was subsequently arrested on Saturday (December 10) and is expected to appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court today (December 12).
The case against the two minors will be dealt with in terms of the Child Justice Act.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the thorough investigation that led to the swift arrest of the family members.
“I am glad the suspects were exposed for their dubious acts and hope that justice will prevail for the victim,” Hadebe added.
