Picture: (Nomthandazo Talakase,4, who was found dead, mutilated in Vryburg)
BY REGINALD KANYANE
A Family of Talakase in Huhudi location, near Vryburg was left crestfallen after the death of their daughter. Nomthandazo Talakase, 4 went missing for a week and her mutilated body was found by a hunter on Monday.
North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said police in Huhudi are investigating a case of murder. Mokgwabone said Nomthandazo Talakase’s body was found in the bushes near Monotomosetlha Informal Settlement in Huhudi location, Vryburg.
“The body was discovered by a boy who was hunting. He then alerted his elders who informed the police. Upon arrival at the scene, the police found the body with a missing left hand. No one has been arrested and investigation into the matter continues,” he said.
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane condemned the incident. She urged tranquility amongst the community and requested them to work in cooperation with the police.
“We will ensure that anyone who is behind this evil deed is exposed and arrested. The police urge members of the community to come forward with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect by calling Detective Captain Thomas Mbandulula on 082 443 8704,” she said.
Nomthandazo’s mother, Refilwe Talakase, 22 said: “My daughter’s death left a void in our heart. I cannot believe that she is gone. We are going through a rough time and we hope the perpetrator/s will be arrested soon.
“She was found by a hunter in the veld on Monday. What surprises me is that, we searched that area while looking for her during the week, but today she was found there,” Talakase said.
ANCWL in North West said they hope the police will work around the clock to apprehend the perpetrator/s. ANCWL provincial secretary, Bridgette Magakwe said: “We are very disappointed on how Nomthandazo’s situation turned out. We want to send a stern warning to all perpetrators out there. Enough is enough and we also urge community members to work together with the police to expose those who did this.
“We also call on all stakeholders to take part in ensuring the safety of our children. Government cannot win this fight alone. A child is raise by a village, so we need to work together. It is so disappointing that we had awareness campaigns across the country last month, but children’s lives continue to be valued less,” Bridgette Magakwe said.
The Guardian 