TWO SUSPECTS VAS FOR MEISIE'S MURDER

A MAN and woman are expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court today in connection with the murder of a seven-year-old meisie. 

Little Lolitha Kowa disappeared on Tuesday evening, and her body was later found dumped near her home in Nambuzane Street, Kuyasa, between 7 and 8am the following day.

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed the grim discovery: “Harare police registered a murder case for investigation after the body of a seven-year-old girl was discovered on Wednesday morning, July 23, in Nambuzane Street, Kuyasa, Khayelitsha.

“The victim sustained injuries to her head and was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel. According to reports, the child was reported missing last night."

In a statement Wednesday afternoon Twigg said an integrated SAPS team, comprising of FCS, the Dog Unit, POP, Crime Intelligence and Harare detectives were investigating the murder when they made a breakthrough.

He said: "The biological sniffer dog led the members to an address in Sindwadwa Street, Kuyasa, where the child was last seen. 

"The dog reacted to blood on the mop and blood stains on the floor of the house which is believed to be that of the child. 

"An adult male and female were arrested in connection with the murder.”

The incident has sparked outrage in the community and anti-gender-based violence organisation Ilitha Labantu says that sadly it is not an isolated case.

Spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said: “That a child can go missing in the night and be found discarded on a street the next morning reflects the deep and ongoing failure to safeguard children in communities where violence has become routine. This incident is not an isolated case.”