Distraught family of Protea wants justice after death of their child

The distraught family of four-year-old Keeya Mbulawa who was found unconscious in a suitcase wrestles to find justice after the minor lost the battle in hospital while the suspect is still at large.

The young girl from Protea Glen died on Wednesday after spending four days in intensive care unit (ICU) where she was fighting for her life.

According to the family, the small girl disappeared and was last seen while playing with other children in the yard.

When the mother of Mbulawa, Nolukhanya realised that her daughter had gone missing, the family frantically searched for the child.

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The frantic search led to the gruesome discovery of the tiny body of Mbulawa in a suitcase belonging to a lady, identified as a Swati national, who was renting at the same property, while attempting to flee.

“We are not coping especially because the suspect is still at large, not only the parents but the whole family.

“The parents of the deceased are still so young and this has been a huge blow, especially because of the manner in which she died.

“The fact that she stayed so many days in hospital, we were hoping that the little girl was going to pull through,” said Jesias Serongwane, the grandfather.

Much to the horror of the family, the four-year-old was found with a cloth in her mouth, with her hands and feet tied up and a black capable tie around her neck.

“The suspect was attempting to leave with this big suitcase when the mother of the missing child demanded to search it.

“The suitcase was opened and the missing child fell out of the suitcase. She was unconscious and had a sock in her mouth.

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“The child was rushed to hospital, where on close inspection, it was discovered that she was also tightly fastened with a cable around her neck,” added Serongwane.

It is understood that the suspect fled the scene and is still at large.

“We don’t know anything about the suspect in question or how long she has been staying at the rental compound. The landlord has also not been cooperating and not met with the community.”

According to an appointed watching brief representing the family, Advocate Miller Moela, the matter has been reported to Interpol.

“We want justice. The family wants to see the suspect arrested and facing the full might of the law for the crimes she has committed,” he told Urban News.

SAPS Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that an additional charge was added on top of the kidnapping charge.

“Police can confirm that a case of murder has been added after a four-year-old victim died in hospital.

“The police are still on the lookout for the suspect, who is still at large,” he said, appealing to residents who might have information to come forward.

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“The case has been assigned to a seasoned Investigating Officer from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Family Violence Unit.

“The case is still under investigation. We cannot divulge more information as that might compromise the investigation.”