Family of slain Paarl child visited by Minister Fritz

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Adv. Albert Fritz, yesterday paid a visit to the family of an 11 year-old girl who was found murdered in Paarl, to commiserate and show support for the grieving family.

The girl had gone missing over the weekend which prompted a massive search for her by the family, community members and the police. Sadly, she was found dead with signs that she may have been raped, and had suffered a brutal death.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) condemns the murder, and we are calling on our partners, the South African Police Services (SAPS), to investigate this case thoroughly and bring the perpetrator(s) to book. Social workers from our Paarl local office will render trauma counselling and provide ongoing support to the family through this difficult time.

We have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to the abandonment, abuse, neglect, or any action which is not in the interests of children. Members of the public with information which can lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s) can contact the SAPS crime stop on 10111, or the DSD hotline on 0800 220 250.