Department condemns murder of 5 year old Kaithlyn Wilson & will support family | Western Cape Government

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Department condemns murder of 5 year old Kaithlyn Wilson & will support family

1 August 2017

I condemn the murder of 5 year-old Kaithlyn Wilson from Bloedrivier, Riebeek West in the strongest terms possible.

This is a tragic start to Women’s Month, and shines a spotlight on the dangers faced by women and the girl-child.

Kaithlyn was reported missing by her family on Sunday afternoon, and tragically her concealed body was found a few hours later near her home.

Social workers from our NGO partner working in the area, and those from the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) will make contact with the family today and render bereavement counselling to the family, especially the parents.

We commend the actions of the community who immediately assisted the family in looking for the girl, and the swift response by the police, who ensured that two men suspected of having murdered Kaithlyn, were arrested.

Murderers, especially those who kill innocent children, should have no place in our society. Two suspects aged 19 and 30 were arrested following co-operation from the local community, and are appearing in the Malmesbury magistrate court today in connection with the crime.

Disturbingly, like other similar cases that have happened in the province, the murderers are somebody seemingly known and perhaps even trusted by the victim. One of the suspects is allegedly the ex-boyfriend of the deceased child’s mother.

We are appealing to the South African Police Services (SAPS) to conduct a thorough investigation, and put forward a strong case for prosecution.

As we mark the start of Women’s Month today, I’m very concerned at the recent spate of child murders in the province. The common trait amongst the victims is that they happen to be girls, and the suspects in the cases have been people who were known and likely trusted by the victims.

It is tragic that the recent incidents of missing or abducted children, child abuse and murders reveal that for some of our children, life isn’t as care-free and safe as it should be.

DSD has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of harm and abuse of children, and the Children’s Act of 2005 enjoins us all to place the best interests of children first.

DSD will support the family during this difficult time, and render any support needed.

I continue to call on parents and communities to be extra vigilant of their children.

Media Enquiries: 

Sihle Ngobese

Spokesperson for Albert Fritz, Minister of Social Development

Western Cape Government

7th floor, 14 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town, 8000

Tel : (021) 483 9217

Cell :  076 083 6543

Email : Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za