The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio on Community Safety is deeply shocked and saddened by the brutal rape and murder of a six-year-old girl in Orlando East, Soweto.
The Committee strongly condemns this heinous crime and joins the Police in calling all members of the community to assist in bringing the suspect to justice.
The suspect believed to be a Mozambican national whose name and identity are known, is alleged to have lured the young girl from her friends while she was playing and led her into a shack he was renting. It is here that he allegedly raped and murdered the six-year-old girl.
While the search for the suspect continues, the committee emphasizes the importance and need for more efficient means of documenting all foreign nationals within South Africa’s borders and the enhancement of stricter border management and control. These measures will aid in the effective identification and apprehension of individuals involved in criminal activities, particularly those committed by foreign nationals.
The Committee urges anyone with information about the whereabouts of this suspect to come forward immediately and contact the Police or report anonymously through Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
No family should ever have to endure such pain and it is crucial that the person responsible is apprehended swiftly to face the full might of the law.
While emotions are understandably running high in the community, the Committee pleads with residents not to take the law into their own hands.
The Committee is of the view that vigilantism will only undermine the justice process and that we must allow Law Enforcement Agencies to conduct their investigation and ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice through legal means.
The Committee further extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the young girl during this extremely difficult time. We will continue to work closely with Law Enforcement Agencies to ensure that justice is served and that such crimes are prevented in our communities.
ISSUED BY GPL’S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY SAFETY, HONOURABLE BANDILE MASUKU
