Masina said he is taken aback by this barbaric act, and is calling upon the criminal justice to mete out harsh jail sentences to those responsible.
“This is one of the most barbaric incidents I have heard of. Yes, we know about the crisis of zama zamas in the country, most especially in our area as a former mining region. However, one would never have expect that the situation would turn so ugly and end up perpetuating gangsterism and crime which is now affecting innocent people,” said Masina in a statement.
“How on earth do you live with yourself after throwing an innocent person down a mineshaft? The perpetrators are heinous criminals who do not belong in our society. These wicked thugs must be locked up for a long time and the keys must be thrown away,” added Masina.
Masina thanked the members of the public for their role in the apprehension of the suspects, and encouraged the search parties to continue with the work of trying to find the missing victim.
The Executive Mayor was expected to visit the area.
Ward 33 DA councillor Ashley Hoods also expressed shock at the horrifying incident.
He was also among the community members who spent hours searching for the girl near the mineshaft on Sunday and Monday.
Hoods added that he has always been concerned about the safety of the residents because of the on-going illegal mining turf wars and the uncovered mineshafts in the area. -@FanieFLK
