Calls for intensified action after two Gauteng minor deaths

This as Gauteng provincial police investigate the circumstances surrounding the gruesome deaths of two minors.

The body of a 17-year-old teenager who went missing on New Year’s Day in Hammanskraal, Tswane was found lying dead on the street next to her home.

According to police, the body had visible burn marks and was discovered on Friday morning.

“At this stage, no suspects arrested, and the police are investigating the circumstances that led to this incident,” said Gauteng Police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.

In a separate incident, the body of a 5-year-old girl was found in an open veld on New Year’s Day in Duduza, Ekurhuleni.

“The body was found with open wounds, and the circumstances that led to this gruesome incident are unknown at this stage,” Nevhuhulwi added.

She confirmed that the police are investigating a case of murder.

Meanwhile, anti-crime expert Yusuf Abramjee said the worrying trend requires deliberate and intensified police intervention alongside community involvement.

“Cases where young people especially are attacked, either murdered or assaulted, is a very concerning trend that is on the increase and there are some provinces which are real hotspots including Gauteng,” said Abramjee.

Abramjee further said the attack on children is something that needs to be taken seriously.

“It’s time for communities to stand up and speak up, and take action against this type of lawlessness.”

Abramjee also called on harsher prosecutions of perpetrators, noting that many reoffenders are released easily due to lenient bail provisions.

According to crime statistics, the percentage of reported child abuse cases rose from 2,6% in 2010/11 to 3,1% in 2022/23, while kidnapping incidents rose from 0,8% to 3,8% over the same period. 

Attempted murder and murder, though less frequent, remain severe threats to children's lives.

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