GQEBERHA – The body of a child was discovered buried in a shallow grave at St George's Beach in Gqeberha on Friday morning. Police have arrested a man and a woman in connection with the murder of the 6-year-old girl. The suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, said that earlier this week, police had been pursuing two suspects potentially linked to a little girl’s disappearance.
Following extensive investigations, the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) in Gqeberha received information suggesting the suspects had fled to Makhanda.
Acting on this intelligence, officers arrested a 25-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man. The suspects were then transported back to Gqeberha for further investigation.
Gantana stated that the investigation ultimately led to the discovery of the child’s body in a shallow grave at the beach.
The suspects are now in custody, facing a charge of murder, and are scheduled to appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
“The identity of the deceased child will be confirmed and released once formal identification processes are completed,” Gantana added.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Vuyisile Ncata praised the officers for their unwavering commitment to ensuring justice.
He described the crime as “heartbreaking” and “deeply disturbing”.
“The brutality inflicted on an innocent child has no place in our society. We commend our members for their dedication and persistence in ensuring justice is served. We also urge communities to work with the police and report any information that could assist in investigations of this nature,” Ncata said.
The discovery of the child's body has sent shockwaves through the Gqeberha community, with many expressing their grief and outrage over the senseless act of violence. The police are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The upcoming court appearance of the suspects is expected to draw significant public attention, as the community seeks justice for the young victim. The police have assured the public that they are committed to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the importance of protecting them from harm. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
