A cloud of grief has descended over the Braamfischerville community in Soweto following the heartbreaking murder of 14-year-old Likhona Fose. Once filled with laughter and joy, her family home is now overcome with silence and sorrow.
Likhona, a Grade 8 learner at Ikusasalethu Secondary School, was known by loved ones for her warm, joyful spirit. Described as “full of life and light,” she had a deep love for children and always brought a sense of happiness into every room she entered. Her life was tragically cut short in a horrifying act that has shocked the nation.
On Sunday, 1 June, Likhona’s mutilated body was discovered in a veld in Durban Deep, Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg. A passerby made the grim discovery and immediately contacted the police. Authorities confirmed that her body had multiple injuries and her pants were missing, raising serious concerns about possible sexual assault. Forensic investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of death.
Likhona was last seen on Saturday afternoon, 31 May. When she didn’t return home that evening, her worried family began a desperate search. Community members, along with local police, joined in. Some witnesses reported seeing her with a group of boys from a nearby area known as Phase 4, but no useful leads emerged from these sightings.
The following day, a message on a community WhatsApp group alerted residents to a body found in a nearby field. Likhona’s family rushed to the scene and were devastated to confirm their worst fears.
Gauteng police spokeswoman Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi stated that no suspects have been identified or arrested yet. “Investigations are ongoing. We have mobilized resources to ensure the perpetrators of this horrific crime are brought to justice,” she said.
The Fose family is deeply shattered. Likhona was raised by her grandmother, who is now inconsolable. Her older sister, Sikelelo, spoke through tears, recalling their last interaction. “She came home, took a bath, and went out again. She didn’t say where she was going.” A friend later told the family that Likhona had mentioned she was heading to Phase 4 to meet friends—but no one knows who they were.
“All I want to know is why,” Sikelelo asked. “Why was my sister killed in such a cruel way? What did she do to deserve this?”
The tragedy has sparked outrage and sorrow across the province. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed his condolences, calling the incident both “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
“We are deeply disheartened by the loss of such a bright, young life,” said Chiloane. “We urge law enforcement to act swiftly. Our thoughts are with the Fose family and the Ikusasalethu Secondary School community.”
As the investigation continues, the community remains united in grief, demanding justice for Likhona and calling for safer environments for all children.