Pretoria – Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has condemned the murder of two children in Diepsloot, calling on the community to work together with police to find the perpetrators.
“Members of society not only in Diepsloot but across the country must work together with the police in combating abuse, neglect and exploitation of our children. As the police, we are intensifying the war against perpetrators of crime against children.
“Protection of women, children and the elderly in South Africa is everyone’s responsibility. Let us all become agents of change,” said Mthethwa.
He said he has tasked police management to hunt down whoever committed this gruesome act, so that he/she can face the full might of the law.
The bodies of two cousins aged two and three were found in a public toilet in Diepsloot township, north of Johannesburg, yesterday.
The murders have sent shockwaves throughout the country, with residents on Tuesday venting their anger by taking to the streets in protests. Police have confirmed that suspects, who are all from the area, have been arrested.
“The disturbing scenes which we witnessed cannot be condoned. We condemn any form of mob justice. What we are faced with in many of our communities are forms of crimes, which can only be addressed if we strengthen our collective efforts against child abuse, neglect and exploitation.
SAPS spokesperson Lungelo Dlamini said: “At this stage, police are still also investigating a possible link between the murders of young girls in the area. One of the victims, a 5-year-old girl was found dead in September. It is suspected that she was sexually violated and strangled.”
Although it is suspected that two young girls were strangled, Dlamini said they were still waiting for post-mortem results to determine what exactly happened to them.
Mthethwa expressed his condolences to the family of the two children. “I am saddened about the horrific discovery of the two children’s bodies. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families.”
Malamulele, Limpopo protests
Meanwhile, Mthethwa also cautioned against some members of society in Malamulele, Limpopo who destroyed properties, looted and burnt shops.
He said there was no reasonable justification for any member of the public to take the law into their own hands.
“It needs to be noted that destroying property, looting shops cannot be a legitimate form of resolving challenges around policing. We shall therefore not tolerate any criminality or lawlessness and police shall act accordingly against any person who is found breaking the law.”
He stated that any attempt to hamper a police investigation was a punishable criminal offence and discouraged members of society from doing so. – SAnews.gov.za
