The shocking and gruesome rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl has sparked outrage in Hendrina, Middelburg.
Lwandle Sphesihle Masuku’s (11) young life was cut short last Sunday.
Her body was found on a farm that she and her family share in Hendrina.
The Middelburg Observer spoke to the young girl’s aunt, Nelisiwe, who told the paper that the family is still in disbelief and shock.
According to the family, Lwandle went missing and her mother filed a missing persons case.
The mother told the Hendrina police that her sister’s male life partner might have information about her daughter’s whereabouts.
She further alleged that, before her daughter went missing, she was last seen with him.
The police then went to the farm, but couldn’t find the man.
ALSO READ: 11-year-old raped and murdered, man wanted for information
The search took a shocking turn when the police went to the man’s shack on the farm and found blood stains.
The family’s worse unthinkable nightmare came true when Lwandle’s naked body was discovered 100m from the shack with stab wounds, the police said.
Colonel Donald Mdhluli of the Mpumalanga police said they opened a murder case and preliminary investigations suggest the girl could have been raped.
Lwandle Sphesihle Masuku
Lwandle was a learner at Mphephethe Primary School in Kwazamokuhle, Hendrina.
She was in Grade 5 and lived with her mother, aunts, grandmother and cousins.
She was an only child.
Her aunt, Nelisiwe, said Lwandle will be laid to rest on Sunday.
The family is pleading with the community to aid with any information that can assist the police.
Hendrina residents
The incident has sparked anger and shock among residents who are calling for an immediate arrest.
Last June, the half-naked body of Lungile Ntuli (26) was found near Ash Dam in Komati. Her lower body was naked, a black cloth had been placed over her face, and her legs were spread apart.
ALSO READ: Woman found dead with body stripped
To hide her identity, dry grass had been placed on her face. Residents protested but sadly no arrest was made.
Police investigation
The matter is still under investigation and no arrests have been made yet. The Mpumalanga police believe Vusi Nkambule (27) can assist them with information.
Anyone who may know Nkambule’s whereabouts can contact the police on Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send information via the My SAPS App.
All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
