The National Council Against Gender-Based Violence (NCGBV) has observed with great sadness the passing of nine-year-old Lihle Hlanjwa from Delft South, who died at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital on Tuesday.
We are deeply saddened by the death of this brave young girl and would like to pass our condolences to her family.
Lihle was a brave young girl who was instrumental in revealing the identity of her attacker after he raped and set her alight on 18 January 2014.
She revealed great strength at a time of deep emotional ordeal and gave a statement to the police. Through this process she ensured that the criminal justice system will not fail and that her perpetrator is brought to justice. This led to the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect, Wanda Oliphant, one day after Lihle’s attack following collaboration of the Delft South neighbourhood watch and the police. Oliphant is scheduled to re-appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court next week and now also face a murder charge.
The NCGBV continues to call upon all to act against gender-based violence through prevention, reporting of incidents and support to all survivors. Together we will fight the scourge of gender-based violence and break the cycle of violence so that our society is free of violence.
Enquiries:
Colleen Constable
CEO: National Council Against Gender-Based Violence (NCGBV)
Cell: 082 990 0116
Tel: 021 359 0073
E-mail: colleen.constable@dwcpd.gov.za
