What began as a search for a Limpopo teenager who had not slept at home for days, ended in tragedy when her 33-year-old uncle tracked her down at another home and allegedly beat her to death.
The violent incident took place in Thohoyandou in the evening on Tuesday, February 11, and the uncle was immediately arrested.
The murder suspect had been searching for her after she had been away from home for several days.
The angry uncle finally located her at another residence and took her home.
"On arrival at home, the suspect had a confrontation with the victim and the situation got tense, he then assaulted the victim with an object," said police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
When the victim attempted to escape, she fell. He then forcibly took her back into the house.
Tragically, the victim succumbed to her injuries before medical personnel could intervene.
“The victim’s mother summoned the emergency medical services personnel, and on arrival at the scene, they declared the victim dead,” said Ledwaba.
Police acted swiftly, arresting the suspect immediately at the scene.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned the heinous crime, emphasising the alarming nature of violence within families.
“It is shocking and disturbing to hear that the perpetrator in this matter is a family member, an uncle to the victim who is supposed to guide and protect a young girl in this regard. This incident underscores the importance of addressing and preventing violence within a family setup and communities at large,” said Hadebe.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
IOL NEWS