Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane sends condolences to the family of a boy 5, whose naked body was found hidden between fridges at a Gauteng tavern
The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane wishes to send her condolences to the family and friends of a 5-year old boy, Mzwandile Zitho, whose naked body was found just hours after he had been reported missing at the Orange Farm police station on Tuesday, 15 April.
Mzwandile's grandmother Nompumelelo Zitho, (63) only saw her grandson around 11:00 on Wednesday, 14 April. She said, due to the lockdown, she did not allow Mzwandile to play with other children on the streets.
His body was discovered next to a fridge at a house in Extension 4, Orange Farm, inside a tavern. The boy had a string tied around his neck and a handkerchief tied around his ankle. The Minister commends the Police for the discovery and swift arrest of a couple aged 29 and 30 in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, who are the owners of the establishment where the body was found. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
“Whist we are taking extreme measures to protect ourselves from the COVID-19 virus, I am pleading to the nation to continue reporting any form of criminal activity to SAPS and to elevate levels of vigilance to ensure children, youth, women, and persons with disabilities are safe from perpetrators who capitalise on the current situation for evil personal gains,” said Minister Nkoana-Mashabane.
The continued killing and raping of women and children by people who are supposed to love and care for them is a great shame to our society. Women and children need to be safe in their homes, especially during these trying times.
“Now is the time more than ever to unite. Time to be tolerant of each other. Now is the time to demonstrate humanity and ubuntu. Let’s stay home, adhere to the rules, and demonstrate that together we can come out of this stronger as a country,” concluded Minister Nkoana-Mashabane.
For interviews contact Ms Mmabatho Ramompi on 076 480 3513 Email: mmabatho.ramompi@women.gov.za
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