A 6 year old girl was found murdered near a graveyard in Mathafeni, Mbombela
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| The tragic death of a 6 year old girl has left the Mathafeni community shattered. Image source sabcnews |
In a deeply disturbing and heartbreaking development, South African police are investigating the brutal murder of a 6-year-old girl, whose body was found in bushes near a graveyard at Mathafeni, outside Mbombela (Nelspruit) in Mpumalanga.
Preliminary reports suggest the child may have been raped before being killed, a revelation that has left the local community in shock and mourning. The gruesome discovery has reignited urgent conversations around child safety and the rise of gender-based violence in the country.
What Happened?
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the victim was reported missing by her father after she failed to return home from a nearby tuck shop. Her body was discovered later that evening, dumped in bushes next to a graveyard in Mathafeni.
Investigators believe the girl may have been sexually assaulted before her murder. A post-mortem will confirm the exact cause of death and whether sexual violence occurred.
Police Investigation Underway
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that a murder case has been opened. No arrests have been made as of yet, and officers are actively pursuing leads. Brigadier Mdhluli has called on the public to assist:
“We urge community members to come forward with information that might lead to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved in this horrible incident.”
SAPS forensic teams are working to collect evidence at the scene and from the victim’s body.
Public Reaction
The incident has left the Mathafeni community shattered. Parents are fearful, and anger is rising over the ongoing wave of violence against children. Residents have begun calling for increased police presence in the area and for authorities to treat the case with urgency and transparency.
On social media, hashtags like #JusticeForMathafeniGirl and #ProtectOurChildren are gaining traction, as South Africans express heartbreak and demand action.
A National Crisis
This case is not isolated. South Africa continues to grapple with staggering levels of gender-based violence, especially against women and children. The Mathafeni tragedy underscores ongoing failures in:
- Protecting vulnerable children, especially in rural communities
- Preventing predators from targeting minors
- Delivering swift justice in GBV and child murder case
How You Can Help
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app. Anonymous tips are accepted, and confidentiality is guaranteed.
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