Community police partnership leads to apprehension of suspect wanted for the 2018 rape and murder of a child. A 28 year old suspect is expected to appear in the Protea Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 14 January 2019 on charges of rape and murder of a nine year old in August last year.
It is reported that the body of the nine year old victim who had been reported missing on 17 August 2018 at Lenasia SAPS, was noticed by a passer by in an open space along the Golden Highway, a day after her disappearance.
Police have since the incident been working closely with the community and information provided to police led to the arrest of the 28 year old man on Friday, 11 January 2019 in Mayfair, Johannesburg. The suspect who was working for the victim’s grandfather and disappeared soon after the incident, is believed to be the last person the child met with on the day of her disappearance.
Police management in Gauteng have commended the fruitful collaboration between the community and the investigating team from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Detectives.
“As Police continue to prioritise cases of crimes against women and children, this arrest will go a long way in bringing closure to the family and ensuring that justice is served,” said the Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Gauteng, Major General Max Masha.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue to work closely with the police and report crimes and/or suspicious activities and persons, by visiting the nearest police station or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
South Africa Today – South Africa News