Pretoria – The Police in Motetema near Groblesdal have arrested a 17-year-old suspect for the brutal murder of his alleged girlfriend.
As part of the Police's efforts to confront the scourge of crimes directed at women and children in the province, the suspect was nabbed soon after the discovery of the body of a 15-year-old girl.
The deceased was found on Tuesday, lying dead on top of the Tafelkop Mountain, with multiple injuries throughout her body by a passer-by who immediately informed the Police.
The Police reacted swiftly and followed up information that led to the arrest of the deceased's boyfriend soon after preliminary investigations connected the suspect to the incident.
The deceased and suspect are both scholars at Buleu High School in Motetema.
The motive behind this incident is not clear at this stage but police are investigating the allegation that the suspect was forcing the deceased to abort an alleged pregnancy.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba, has noted this incident with shock and disbelief, especially considering the brutality that characterized the murder and the age of both the victim and the suspect.
“Members of the community in Motetema and the surrounding areas are requested to remain calm and give the Police space to investigate this matter fully,” said General Ledawaba.
Nel-Peters
Meanwhile, Miss South Africa, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, was involved in an attempted armed hijacking on Wednesday near Hyde Park Corner Shopping Mall, Johannesburg.
Nel-Peters was unharmed in the incident.
As part of the Police Minister’s outreach to in particular female and children victims of crime, Minister Fikile Mbalula contacted Miss Nel-Peters and Miss South Africa Organization and shared words of comfort.
“As it can be understood, Miss Nel-Peters is shaken but in good spirit and safe - she has incredible courage,” Minister Mbalula said.
The personal belongings of Miss South Africa were taken, but the suspects fled without taking her car.
Minister Mbalula views all crimes against women as an added priority and has reiterated that: “We have no time to waste as criminals terrorise citizens, especially our women and children.”
The Minister has vowed to continue deploying all resources needed in the fight against violent crimes and crimes against women, whether at their homes or outside their homes.
The Minister recognizes the important role played by Miss South Africa in the country to inspire and give hope to the youth, especially young women.
Minister Mbalula has assured South Africans that, the might of the law will deal with these criminals and all criminals who are hell bent to make South Africans prisoners of fear.
“No resources will be spared in the fight against crime. Enough is enough was two decades ago, now is the time to take the war against crime direct to these enemies of the people, it should be made a societal shame when armed men point deadly weapons at females, these cowards are called amagwala.”
Minister Mbalula reiterated his message to SAPS members to treat each reported crime against women as a priority anywhere, whether in Hyde Park or Pimville, and urges South Africans to report criminals and stop buying stolen goods or suspected stolen goods as this fuels the market for crime.
“Each father, brother, uncle must realize that each crime against a female could be a crime against a sister, mother or aunt. Men must protect their women folk and not turn them into prey,” said Minister Mbalula. – SAnews.gov.za
