Kimberley - The police have opened a murder docket after a 16-year-old girl’s half-naked body was found in overgrown grass at the Percival Jas Community Hall in Galeshewe on Tuesday.
Police spokesperson, Captain Bashoabile Kale, said yesterday that the autopsy results indicated that the deceased had been strangled.
“The post-mortem results were unable to establish whether she was raped. Her age has been confirmed as 16 years old. No arrests have been made yet,” said Kale.
He added that no one had been able to positively identify the body. “If anyone is able to confirm the identity of the deceased, they should contact Warrant Officer Zandberg at the Galeshewe police station.”
The police indicated that the woman had a right hand and leg disability and she could also have been mentally disabled.
The MEC for Social Development, Pastor Gift van Staden, condemned the brutal murder of a teenager in need of care and protection.
Van Staden extended his condolences to the family, friends and the community of the deceased.
“The manner in which this woman died is despicable and it is a reflection of the moral decay we grapple with in society. The department, through its gender and transformation services as well its disability and victim empowerment programmes, will continue to advocate for the protection of people with disabilities and all those who are victims of abuse and violence.”
He urged communities to promote the protection of vulnerable members of society.
“We also call on the community to work with the police to bring to book the perpetrators of this evil deed and to see that the law takes it course.
“We appeal to families of disabled people to be vigilant at all times about the whereabouts of any relative who may be challenged in any form.”