Condolences, anger after missing Hillary Gardee, 28 found slain

HILLARY Gardee, daughter of former EFF secretary-general and lawyer Godrich Gardee was yesterday found dead after she went missing last week.

She was found abandoned outside Nelspruit in Mpumalanga after being last seen on Friday at a supermarket in Mbombela.

She was with a 3-year-old who was found roaming in town at the time of her disappearance. A R100 000 reward for information had been offered for the safe return of the 28-year-old.

Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said police in Mbombela were called and informed by some members of the community who were on their way to work about the body of a woman. He said she had some wounds to her head.

“Upon their arrival, they found the body of a lady, and she has now been identified by her family as Hillary Gardee, who was reported missing. She was still wearing the clothes that were reportedly indicated that she was wearing during her disappearance, and she had some wounds on her head. Police are investigating a murder case.

“Anyone with information that may assist can call the Crime Stop number with regard to the suspects or send the information via the MySAPS app. All the information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous,” said Mdhluli.

EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo said Gardee’s killing was part and parcel of the broader problem of gender-based violence in South Africa.

“We need to intensify our fight against the scourge.

“But we thank South Africans for standing together and rallying behind the former SG in trying to find his daughter.

“Unfortunately, it ended in this manner, but we say let us stand together in showing that people who are kidnapped, abducted and murdered are treated in the same way in terms of public sympathy and ensure that (the assailants) are found,” said Tambo.

“There must be a stronger measurement in ensuring that those who are involved in gender-based violence are broad to book. We must build a sympathetic law enforcement agency that is going to be understanding of the situation of gender-based violence and respond accordingly.”

In a statement yesterday, the EFF said the news left the party and family distraught.

“The EFF regrets, with deep sadness, to inform the public about the passing of the daughter of former secretary-general, Hillary Gardee,” the statement read.

Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Lebogang Maile said: “Losing a child to death, no matter the circumstances, has to be one of the most painful events in anyone’s life.

“To Cadre Godrich Gardee and the family at large, you remain in our thoughts and prayers. May Hillary’s soul rest in peace.”