A 39-year-old suspect is set to make his first appearance today [yesterday] at the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court in connection with the brutal murder of 12-year-old Lithaliyanda Ntoni.
The young girl’s body was discovered in the bushes near an area known as MU6 in Motherwell, just a short distance from residential homes. The victim’s body was found lying near a path, with no attempt made to conceal it.
Lithaliyanda had been reported missing days before her tragic discovery. Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, but authorities have confirmed that the accused is known to the victim.
Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Babalwa Lobishe expressed concern over the rising violence against young girls in the region, noting that perpetrators are often individuals close to the victims. This case follows another recent incident in Kwanobuhle, where the bodies of two young girls were found burned under similarly disturbing circumstances.
As the court proceedings begin, community members are expected to gather outside the courthouse to submit a petition demanding that the suspect be denied bail.
Updates will follow as the case unfolds.
