Johannesburg - The killing of two toddlers in Diepsloot, northern Johannesburg, was shocking and heart-breaking, the ANC said on Tuesday.
"We believe that the killing of kids is senseless and immoral, it is an act of those who are insane and heartless," said African National Congress Gauteng spokesman Dumisa Ntuli.
"We condemn the brutal killing of the two innocent children and we call upon the (SA Police Service) to act swiftly to apprehend the killer."
The ANC sent its condolences to the children's families and relatives, and urged parents and communities to be extra vigilant to avoid similar killings.
The girls, aged two and three, were found dead in a toilet cubicle by a resident on Tuesday morning.
Lt-Col Lungelo Dlamini said they were reported missing on Saturday by the children's parents.
National police commissioner general Riah Phiyega said the case had to be given top priority.
"I have spoken to the acting provincial commissioner of Gauteng, Lt-Gen (Lesetja) Mothiba indicating that this case be given top priority," she said.
"As the police, we strongly condemn crimes against women and children. As a result, the family violence, child protection and sexual violence unit (FCS) in Gauteng will leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of what happened to the two innocents."
She called on residents of Diepsloot to help the police track down those responsible for the murder of the two toddlers.
Sapa