11-year-old murdered and raped in Mpumalanga: Man wanted for information

Hendrina police in Mpumalanga are investigating a case of murder and rape after an 11-year-old girl was murdered on a farm in Hendrina on Sunday evening.

According to a media statement issued by the SAPS, the suspect fled the scene after the incident, which happened at about 19:30.

According to a report, the girl’s mother searched for her daughter but reported her disappearance to the police after not being able to find her.

The woman informed police that she suspected that her sister’s male companion could know something about her daughter’s sudden disappearance. She further alleged that, before her child went missing, she was last seen with the man in question.

During a police investigation of the farm, it was found that the man had left.

Police searched the man’s shack and noticed blood stains inside. The missing child’s naked body was discovered with stab wounds about 100m from the shack.

She was certified dead by medical personnel at the scene.

A case was opened and a preliminary investigation suggests that the girl could have been raped by the suspect.

The motive for the killing is unknown. No arrests have been made.

Meanwhile, investigators are adamant that Vusi Nkambule (27) may be able to assist in the investigation. Nkambule is urged to contact the police. Anyone who knows his whereabouts can also alert the authorities.

The acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, has condemned the incident.

“We are very much disappointed about the incident whereby the life of an innocent child was cut short by a heartless person. We promise not to rest until we find the perpetrator and bring him to book,” says Mkhwanazi.

Police are in pursuit of the perpetrator, who allegedly also murdered a man in February. He was released on R5 000 bail.

Anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the suspect is urged to call Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.