Uncle who allegedly killed niece, 5, with a spade detained

ANOTHER tragedy involving a child has been reported just a few days after the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.

The body of a girl, 5, was discovered at her uncle’s house in Kwanonqubela, Alexander, in the Eastern Cape, after police were notified by the suspect (uncle) about an assault at his home.

Police say Siphesihle Xhali was found lying on the lounge floor, brutally battered.

The child’s mother had dropped her off at her father’s house in the same area at about 2pm on Friday and he later left the child at a neighbour’s house.

Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene condemned the brutal killing.

“At about 5.40am, police were alerted by the suspect (the child’s uncle) of a person being assaulted at his house. On arrival, detectives found the brutally battered body of a 5-yearold girl. The suspect was very drunk and incoherent to give an account of what had happened. The victim suffered multiple wounds to her body,” Mene said. “It is suspected that she was murdered with a spade, found in a neighbour’s yard.”

A post-mortem will be conducted to verify the suspicion that the child may have also been raped.

“The suspect, 43, is detained on a charge of murder and due to appear in the Kenton-On-Sea Magistrate’s Court this week. Pending the post-mortem results, an additional charge of rape may be added,” police said.

This tragic incident happened soon after the July to September crime statistics showed that 294 attempted murder dockets involving children are currently being investigated by the SAPS.

Between April and June, 243 children were murdered, and another 306 children under the age of 17 were killed between January and March. In addition, between April and September, 1 895 gender-based violence (GBV) cases involving children were reported.

Mene said the brutality of GBV is extremely concerning. “It is alarming that communities fail to protect our children. Many are killed by the people they know, love and trust. These people are cruel and heartless.”