LIMPOPO – The police have launched a manhunt for the person responsible for the brutal murder of three-year-old Melania Ndacha Ruben. Ruben’s body was discovered in a stream at Vingerkraal village in the Bela Bela policing area, last night (Tuesday 17 November).
According to Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe the deceased child was reported missing earlier the afternoon. “It is alleged that earlier in the day, the child’s mother had left her daughter with a neighbour, however when she returned at around 14:00, the child was nowhere to be found. The police were informed and a joint search operation was activated until her body was found at around 20:00 where it had been dumped in a stream in the area.”
She had sustained various open wounds and Ruben was certified dead by emergency medical services.
“The motive behind this incident is not clear at this stage and the police are calling on Jeffrey Muronga (27) from Elim near Makhado (the attached photo), to come to the Bela Bela Police Station or to the nearest station to assist with investigations in this matter.”
Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Genl Nneke Ledwaba has ordered a 72-hour activation plan towards the apprehension of the suspect and called on the Waterberg District to ensure that all the necessary and available resources are mobilised.
The police are also appealing to anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) involved in this matter, to contact Lt Col Richard Makhukhu at 082 565 8603. They can also use the MySAPSAPP or contacts the 24-hour Crime Stop number at 086 001 0111.
