VEREENIGING. – This new year has started on a tragic note for the Mahlangu family and their 25-year-old daughter Nthabiseng Mahlangu.
This is after Nthabiseng’s 23-month-old toddler Retshidisitswe Mahlangu was brutally killed on Friday, January 12. The incident happened at the Old Vereeniging Hospital popularly known as 21.
Describing friday’s scene, Paulina Mahlangu (53) said the toddler was found with a knife still stuck in her head, and her stomach cut open. Paulina says she was at work when the incident unfolded.
“Nthabiseng had left the child with her friend when she went to run errands in town. This is something she and her friend usually do; they babysit for one another.
“She says she was surprised to see the friend in town, and when she questioned her about the whereabouts of the kids, the friend said that she left the kids behind.”
According to Paulina, Nthabiseng hurried back and found that her toddler was missing. A search for the toddler ensued and later, her body was discovered near other vacant rooms on the Hospital premises.
Paulina says: “This incident has broken us as a family. My daughter’s friend knew very well that my sister was home, she could have left the child with my sister.
“We have so many questions because up until now, no one can tell us what happened. Even if the person that did this gets caught, it will still not bring back my granddaughters’ life.”
The family says they hope justice will be served.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that a murder case docket has been launched for investigation.
