Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Ms. Gabisile Shabalala has welcomed the arrest of a suspect linked to the murder of two children in Mganduzweni Trust in Masoyi area. The 22 year old suspect was nabbed by the police on Tuesday this week following the murder of the two girls aged six and seven in April this year. The suspect is also believed to be related to the two deceased children.
The bodies of the two girls were later found dumped in a ditch after their disappearance while playing near their parental home in the area. The death of the two children had previously sparked incidences of vigilantism which led to the death of two people whose houses were also torched by angry community members.
The same suspect is also believed to have had a hand in killing of a 20 year old woman, Khensani Sambo, who was reported as missing in March this year at Shabalala Trust near Hazyview. A police investigation was then launched and it soon pointed towards the suspect, hence the arrest. He pointed out at the exact spot where the deceased's body was found. The community reacted to this development by setting the suspect's house on fire.
MEC Shabalala has applauded the SAPS for progress made so far. She has further encouraged the police to do all in their power to crack the case. The MEC believes that the urgent finalization of the cases will act as a deterrent to other criminals. "Furthermore, our police should meticulously investigate these cases so all those who are involved are accordingly punished.
This, the MEC believes will assist in restoring calm in communities. Members of the community who may have information that could help to solve the cases should come forward and assist the police, " the MEC added.
Shabalala has however cautioned residents from taking law into their own hands but to instead work with law enforcement agencies to solve crime.
On the other hand, the MEC has appealed to communities to look well after their children adding that they need to know their children's whereabouts at all times. "We must guard against monsters who are at times found in our own homes. All community members must be vigilant and protect each other's children.
Ends...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Community, Safety, Security and Liaison
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