South Africa has opened its heart to the family of seven-year-old Sheldean Human, donating money and food worth thousands of rands in a bid to alleviate their pain and grief.
This was announced at a Press conference at Sheldean's primary school Laerskool Tuinrand which was called by her family representatives and her principal.
Wednesday's conference, which was used to announce the launching of a trust fund for Sheldean, saw community member and family representative Philip van Staden demanding to know from President Thabo Mbeki how long he was going to allow South Africa's children to be murdered, raped and kidnapped before he acted.
"Mr President, the time to act is now. Don't let any innocent children ever again be victims of crime in this country. Please listen to the public outcry," he said.
He said that the time for people to stand together against crime was now. "We are tired of crime. We want our freedom taken by criminals given back to us. We want our children to be able to play in their gardens and in parks free from terror and mayhem.
"We will no longer tolerate this situation. It is time to stand up and say 'enough is enough'. No longer will we tolerate our women and children being murdered. No longer will we tolerate the loss of our country's future," he said.
Van Staden said the community, although shattered by what had happened, had rallied together in support of Sheldean's family.
"The outpouring of support has overwhelmed the family who are distraught by the loss of their daughter. They are battling to pull themselves together," he said.
Laerskool Tuinrand principal Pikkie van Amstel said the fund, which was filling up at a rapid rate from all quarters of South Africa, would be administered by the school's attorney and the board.
He said the money collected would be used to honour Sheldean in a fitting and respectful funeral.
"The money will also be used to help her family with counselling and other things needed to help them through this difficult time.
"If any money is left over, the money will be used to assist other needy children from Sheldean's school," he said.
Crisis-on-Call's Marius Vermaak, who thanked the community for their involvement in the search for Sheldean, appealed for people to remain calm and allow the law to take its course and the police to do their jobs.
Sheldean Trust Fund:
Bank: Absa
Account number: 9061498287
Branch code: 632005
Reference: Sheldean
Fax deposit slip to: (012) 379 7625