The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, has applauded the community of Pienaar for helping to locate what his family believes is the body of Junior Mabandla on Wednesday night, buried in a shallow grave. The child had disappeared on June 3.
Macie said he appreciated all the assistance and tip-offs members of the public gave the police in Junior’s disappearance and other cases. “While we appreciate the efforts by the police, we are grateful to the community for their role in a quest to find the child. It is deeply disheartening to witness these levels of disregard for human life, especially towards women and children in the area and elsewhere in the province. Just a few days ago, the body of another woman was exhumed from a shallow grave in the same area,” said Macie.
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He said they are appealing to the community to work closely with the police in preventing crime and solving crime, as this collaboration will help win the war against crime.
“We will also continue to advocate for harsher sentences against perpetrators of crime. Those who witness any suspicious activities or people must not hesitate to contact the police or anonymously give tip-offs.”
Macie said crime is a societal challenge that requires collective efforts and solidarity. He said the collaboration between our community and law enforcement agencies is crucial in ensuring the safety and security of all residents. “It is heartening to witness the spirit of togetherness and determination displayed by the people of Pienaar and surrounding villages in addressing criminal activities that threaten our peace and well-being.”
Macie has also urged the parents and guardians to be more vigilant with their children. He urges communities to look after one another’s children.
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He went on to lambast what he called evil traditional healers who are allegedly involved in ritual killings.
The Mpumalanga SAPS said it has arrested an 18-year-old suspect who they believe is not only connected to Junior’s disappearance, but also that of another child that had gone missing on Wednesday July 3.
Macie extended his condolences to and is expected to visit the Mabandla family and the missing three-year-old’s family on Friday July 5 to commiserate with them and support them while they await an official confirmation from the police.
