The Nyawose family and the KwaDingiMbiza community in Mtwalume are in shock after the body of seven year old Emihle Nyawose was found in a pit, near a forest and a stream, recently.
Emihle went missing on a Sunday morning after her mother, Londiwe Nyawose had sent her to a nearby tuck shop to buy airtime.
According to the child’s grandmother, Zodwa Nyawose, Emihle had been seen walking to the shop with a neighbour known to the family, who had been working in their yard, digging a pit toilet for the family.
“When Londiwe realised that the child was taking too long to return home, she started asking around and was informed that the neighbour had walked with her to the shop, and was later seen taking a different route to a forest.
“Londiwe suspected that something was wrong and asked members of the community, to help her search for her child,” said Zodwa.
She said the search went on till late, and they called out for Emihle in the forest. The man (suspect) was seen coming out with his flip-flops in his hands. He said he had returned from accompanying his girlfriend who lived nearby.
“He denied knowing about the child’s whereabouts, claiming that after walking with her to the shop, he told her to return home as he was going elsewhere.”
“We notified the police that the child was missing and that the neighbour was the last person to be seen with her. The police questioned the man and he allegedly admitted that he had raped the child and thrown her in a pit near the forest,” the grandmother added.
She said the man allegedly told police that no one will find Emihle, unless he pointed out where he had buried her body, which he did.
“After being raped, my grand-daughter was strangled to death,” Zodwa added.
She said Londiwe is distraught and had been admitted to hospital.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda said: “Hibberdene police arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with murder, kidnapping and rape of a seven year old girl. The girl’s lifeless body was found dumped in the bushes at Nomakhosazana area in Mtwalume with bruises on her neck.”
The man appeared in the Umzumbe Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday last week.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said: “The matter was adjourned to March 22 for further investigation as the man has abandoned his application for bail.”
Women of Mtwalume (WoW), an organisation that advocates against abuse of women and children is shattered by the incident.
“We have had enough of gruesome murders of our sisters, mothers and children. We will support the Nyawose family and will fight for the perpetrator to receive a harsh sentence, in fact life sentence for what he has done,” said Nombuso Sibisi, chairperson of WoW.
The community along with WoW protested outside the court with placards.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Social Development, Nonhlanhla Khoza said the suspect betrayed the child’s trust.
“Since he was a neighbour, the child had trusted that he would protect her and not be the one to harm her. It is a devastating situation for the family and the people of this province. We find solace that police arrested the suspect. We call for the court to give him a harsh sentence after his cruel and barbaric act to rape, murder and bury a child in shallow grave. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family,” said Khoza.
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