Eastridge community attends murdered girl’s funeral
A LARGE crowd gathered at the home of murdered six-year old Stacey Adams, from where her Muslim funeral started.
The girl’s grandmother, a practising Muslim, said it was her granddaughter’s wish to convert to Islam, and fitting that she be buried according to the faith.
Little Stacey’s naked body was discovered in a shallow grave next to a wendy house occupied by her mother’s boyfriend. He will appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court this morning, charged with her murder. His dwelling in De La Rey Road, Eastridge, Mitchells Plain, along with the main house was set alight by an angry crowd on Sunday soon after Stacey’s body was discovered.
Yesterday, at the girl’s funeral yesterday, family spokesperson Lyle Daniels said Stacey had always wanted to convert to Islam. “She lived according to Muslim rites because her granny was Muslim. She also did the ultimate sacrifice and fasted during Ramadaan. This is why the family felt it right to bury her accordingly,” he said.
Sandy Markgraff of Tafelsig, the mother of 11-year-old Stacha Arendse, who was raped and murdered by a man known to her, came to Stacey’s home pay her respects.
Markgraff and Stacey’s mother, Sacha Adams, shared an emotional moment and offered each other words of support.
A neighbour, Yolanda October, described Stacey as a happy child. She said residents were shocked by her gruesome murder. “We are furious,” she said.
October said community members would gather near the home and march to court to oppose bail. “We heard that he (suspect) was a repeat offender.”
Family of the alleged perpetrator fled the area after their home was petrol-bombed. They have been moved to a place of safety.
Community Safety MEC Dan Plato also visited the family. He said he was told about the suspect’s alleged criminal history. “Far too many children are being killed. All these incidents are in a family or friendship circle. It is men raping and killing young girls. We need to look at the role of men in society.”