Cape Town - Social Development Minister Albert Fritz has condemned the murder of five-year-old Kaithlyn Wilson of Bloedrivier in Riebeek West near Malmesbury.
“This is a tragic start to Women’s Month, and shines a spotlight on the dangers faced by women and the girl-child,” Fritz said.
He said the family is receiving trauma counselling.
Little Kaithlyn was reported missing by her family on Sunday afternoon, and her concealed body was found a few hours later on a farm near her home.
Police arrested two men on the same day, one of whom is the ex-boyfriend of Kaithlyn’s mom, Yvonne Wilson.
Yvonne said she and the suspect broke up more than a year ago, and told the Cape Times: “He has been trying to make my life hard ever since. He would always insult me and be verbally and physically abusive, even during the relationship.”
Kaithlyn’s grandmother Sofia Wilson said the child had asked her for a R2 on Sunday morning and then went to go play with friends a few houses away “as she always does”.
She said the little girl was found with her eyes and nose covered with black sellotape, and her mouth stuffed with a facecloth.
The cause of death is still unclear.
The suspects, aged 19 and 30, are expected to appear in the Malmesbury Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday on a charge of murder.
More than 20 children have been murdered in the Cape since the start of the year.
“I’m very concerned at the recent spate of child murders in the province. The common trait among the victims is that they happen to be girls, and the suspects in the
cases have been people who were known and likely trusted by the victims,” said Fritz.
“I continue to call on parents and communities to be extra vigilant of their children.”