A man (27) has been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a girl (8) whose body was discovered yesterday, 6 October, in KwaLanga.
This act sent shockwaves through the area as residents took to social media to voice their thoughts on the matter. One resident said: “You were playing not far from your home, in your neighbourhood. You were called by a familiar face in the community and you went, like any child would. You did not know that it would turn into a nightmare.”
The arrest was carried out by the South African Police Service Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit.
SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg said that, according to preliminary information, the young victim was reported missing by her family on Sunday, 5 October, at SAPS Kamesh after 17:00.
“A search was immediately launched by police,” she said. “Information was obtained regarding who Veronique May (8) was last seen with on Sunday evening. SAPS Kamesh found the man and, for his own safety from the community, he was removed from the community to the police station.”
Janse Van Rensburg added that after the suspect was questioned yesterday, he took the investigating officer to De Booi Street, KwaLanga, where her lifeless body was found in one of the rooms on the premises.
“The suspect was arrested on charges of murder and will appear in the Uitenhage Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 8 October.”
The Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, strongly condemned the horrific act and commended the swift response by the investigating team. “The murder of a child is one of the most heartless crimes imaginable. We will ensure that justice is served for this young victim and her family,” said Ncata.
The SAPS continues to urge communities to protect children and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately to the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Gender-based violence and crimes against children remain a serious concern, and the SAPS reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are brought to justice.
