LIMPOPO – Police in the Nwamitwa area, outside Tzaneen, have opened cases of murder, attempted murder, rape and inquest following the rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl by a 58-year-old man on Sunday night (6 June).
According to the spokesperson for the Department of Social Development, Witness Tiva, a team of social workers have been dispatched to the area to provide psychosocial support to the girl’s family.
“Police say the suspect went to his wife’s homestead to look for her, but instead found his 71-year-old mother-in-law and attacked her with a panga. He then returned to his home and went to his neighbour and found the 13-year-old girl and attacked her,” he explained.
Tiva added that the man was later found hanging in the same room where the rape and murder took place.
“The elderly woman who was rushed to hospital was treated and released,” he said.
Social Development MEC, Nkakareng Rakgoale is shocked by the incident, which occurred on the last day of National Child Protection Week.
“It is very disturbing to learn of this horrific incident which came as a result of a domestic dispute. We reiterate our call for families and individuals who have problems in their relationships, to approach our social workers who will then assist them through our family preservation programme. It is very wrong for people to resort to this kind of needless violence and it undermines the rights of other people. Our social workers, who have been sent to the area, will give all the necessary support to the affected parties. May the soul of the 13-year-old rest in eternal peace,” added Rakgoale.
Police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed the incident.
“We confirm that the police have opened cases of murder, attempted murder, rape and inquest,” he concluded.
