Pretoria - The National Council against Gender-Based Violence (NCGBV) has sent its condolences to the family of the nine-year-old girl, who recently passed away after being raped and set alight.
Lihle Hlanjwa, from Delft South in Cape Town, died on Tuesday morning at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment. The nine-year-old was found by relatives after a 27-year-old man allegedly raped her and set her alight in the bushes along the R300 highway.
The NCGBV described Lihle as a brave young girl, who was instrumental in revealing the identity of her attacker.
“She revealed great strength at a time of a deep, emotional ordeal and gave a statement to the police. Through this process, she ensured that the criminal justice system will not fail and that her perpetrator is brought to justice,” the NCGBV said in a statement.
A 27-year-old suspect, Wanda Oliphant, was arrested by the police one day after Lihle’s attack, with the help of the Delft South neighbourhood watch. Oliphant is scheduled to reappear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court next week and now also faces a murder charge.
The NCGBV reiterated its call to all to act against gender-based violence through prevention, reporting of incidents and support to all survivors.
“Together, we will fight the scourge of gender-based violence and break the cycle of violence so that our society is free of violence.”
The Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities has also expressed great sadness on the passing of Lihle. – SAnews.gov.za
