FS government condemns brutality on children

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

By More Matshediso

Pretoria – The Free State Provincial Government has condemned acts of brutality on children following the recent incident in Deneysville.

Acting Premier Mosebenzi Zwane was concerned about the increasing rate of brutal murders meted against children. 

“We condemn these acts of brutality and are calling for increased community protection of our children,” the acting Premier said. 

On Saturday, Bongani Mosia and his friend, Nthako Thithi, went missing. They were last seen playing under the bridge in Refengkgotso.

Nthako’s body was retrieved from Vaal Dam near Deneysville, on Monday, after clothes he and Bongani wore were found on the river bank.

The search for Bongani resumed on Wednesday, while two suspects were released, on Tuesday, after they could not be linked to the crime.

“The divers have resumed with the search of the second boy. Suspects were released yesterday after they could not be linked with the incident,” said police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thandi Mbambo.

Acting Premier Zwane said whilst police are doing their best to protect children, parents, guardians and the community at large should guarantee the most leak-proof methods of child protection as they live with these children.

“They see these children play and are likely to see intruders and imposters that mean to harm our children, and that is where our decisive intervention must be,” said Acting Premier Zwane.

The provincial government urged communities to respect the rule of law, to report any atrocities, no matter their magnitude, committed against children and other vulnerable groups to the law enforcement agencies.

MEC for Social Development Sisi Ntombela also condemned the incident, saying it was unacceptable.

“The provincial government is also disheartened by the incident and we will visit the area to show support. The time has come for all South Africans to stand up to ensure that the most vulnerable in society are protected and nurtured,” said MEC Ntombela.

She also called on the community to not take the law into their own hands and allow police to do their job. - SAnews.gov.za