Department condemns murder of Strand 5-year old & will support family

I condemn the murder of 5 year-old Minentle Lekhakha from Strand (Cape Town) in the strongest terms possible.

The child went missing on Saturday, and tragically her young body was found yesterday (Sunday).

Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) social workers from the Metro East regional office are in the process of contacting the family, and will render trauma and bereavement counselling.

The gruesome circumstances of this case, where it is said that the child’s eyes were gouged out, is ominously reminiscent of another recent case of the murder of 33-year old, Unathi Booi.

Unathi’s body was also found with the eyes gouged out in Zone 26, Langa. Social workers from our Metro North regional office have made contact with the family, and will render support during this time.

Violence against women and children is completely unacceptable. This cannot be the new norm.

I am appealing to the South African Police Service (SAPS) to conduct a thorough investigation, and to make arrests as soon as possible. I’m also appealing to members of the community with any information that can assist to please contact the SAPS on 086 001 0111.

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