By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has condemned the killing of two children, Nqobile Zulu and Tshiamo Rabanye, in Soweto.
Muti killings are suspected to be behind the murder and mutilation of the bodies of two young boys, aged five and six, who were discovered yesterday morning in two separate places in Soweto after they went missing on Wednesday night.
This has led the community of White City in Soweto to live in fear as they do not know who is behind the killings that have sparked outrage across the Rockville, White City, and Mofolo South communities.
It is reported that the two toddlers, identified as Zulu, aged five, and Rabanye, aged six, were playing with one of their friends when they were allegedly approached by unknown men travelling in an unidentified car just after 8pm on Wednesday.
Nqobile’s body was found in White City, while the second body, belonging to Tshiamo was found a few kilometres away in Rockville at Thokoza Park. Both bodies were missing their private parts, noses and lips — resulting in suspected muti or ritual killings.
“The Minister condemns the gruesome murders of these children in the strongest possible terms.
“As the country has witnessed previously, law enforcement agencies deal swiftly with cases involving children, and the Minister is confident that SAPS will do all within its power to find the perpetrators and ensure that justice is served. The involvement of the community policing forum and residents of the area working closely with the SAPS in the search of the boys is welcomed,” said the department in a statement.
The Minister said the uncalled for tragedy comes at a time where South Africans are commemorating and celebrating their freedom.
“Children are the most vulnerable in society and we must protect them from unspeakable crimes. Families, communities and individuals must implement measures that safeguard children from such kind of abuses. We all have a responsibility to raise awareness on the importance of protecting children,” said Dlamini Zuma.
The Minister said the South African Constitution has the highest regard for children, their protection and non-violation of their rights.
Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic value but also an obligation clearly set out in Article 28 of the South African Constitution.