Parents told to be vigilant as 15-year-old missing girl found dead

Police in Limpopo have called on parents to be vigilant after the body of a 15-year-old girl was discovered “brutally murdered” in the Khalavha plantation area of Siloam, Vhembe District, on Tuesday.

According to the police, the young victim was reported missing the previous day, on Monday, 11 November.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said preliminary investigations revealed that the girl was last seen driving with a 51-year-old man, and she never returned home.

“A search operation was immediately activated however, the missing girl was not found,” said Ledwaba.

The following day, her naked body was found in the bushes in Khalavha. The body had injuries that suggested she had been sexually assaulted.

ALSO READ: Inside job? Two arrests in ‘Freddy Gums’ murder case as cops probe life insurance motive

Suspect arrested, facing murder charges

Ledwaba said emergency services were alerted, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

He confirmed that a case of murder was opened and a suspect was subsequently arrested.

He is set to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing charges of murder.

ALSO READ: Slain teacher’s wife wanted for his alleged violent murder

Call for vigilance

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the incident.

She urged parents to do whatever they can to protect their children, highlighting the need for increased vigilance in the community.

As the investigation continues, Ledwaba said additional charges “may be added pending outcome of the investigation”.

ALSO READ: Seven suspects in custody for kidnapping Chinese businesswoman

Chinese national kidnapped

In a separate case of missing persons, police in Humewood, Eastern Cape, put out an alert for 47-year-old Chinese male who was kidnapped on Wednesday morning.

Captain Andre Beetge said the incident occurred around 8:30am at a shop in Govan Mbeki Avenue, Central.

“It has been alleged that the victim, a 47-year-old Chinese national, was busy opening a shop when he was approached by three male suspects who forcefully pushed him into a white Ford Eco Sport and drove off with him,” said Beetge.

A probe into the kidnapping of the man is being investigated by the police.

Authorities have urged anyone with information to reach out to Detective Warrant Officer Johan Raubenheimer at 074 430 6048 or alternatively Crime Stop at 08600 10111.