A devastating tragedy has struck the Ntshongwe area, where an 8-year-old girl was found brutally murdered. Her body was discovered in a forest, partially concealed by trees, and her head was severed.
## The Child’s Disappearance
According to Maputaland Community Radio, the mother’s boyfriend, Mr. Ntongolozi Gumede, recounted the events leading up to the discovery. He revealed that the child had been sent to a local store to buy a tin of fish. After noticing that she had not returned, he began searching for her.
Mr. Gumede visited the store to confirm if the child had been there. When informed she had left, he followed her footprints, which eventually disappeared. Believing she might have gone to a neighbor’s house to play, the mother searched the area but found no trace of her. Desperation grew as the search extended to the house where the child was born, but the family there had not seen her either.
## A Grisly Discovery
Later that evening, while searching with a neighbor, Gumede and his nephew decided to report the matter to the police. Just as they were preparing to leave, a call came through with horrifying news—the girl’s lifeless body had been found in the forest. Disturbingly, her head had been severed, and it was suspected that she had been sexually assaulted before her murder.
## Community Shock and Accusations
The gruesome incident has left the Ntshongwe community in shock, as this is the first such crime reported in the area. Mr. Gumede, who raised the child as his own despite not being her biological father, expressed his anguish not only over the loss but also over being accused of involvement in the murder.
“It hurts to be accused. People are questioning why I went alone to search for her,” said Gumede, adding that he had cared for the girl as his own since she was two years old. He emphasized his hope for justice and his desire to clear his name once the perpetrator is apprehended.
## Grief-Stricken Family
The child’s 21-year-old mother is reportedly devastated, struggling to eat or cope with the tragedy. The young mother, who had entrusted Gumede to help raise her child, now faces the unimaginable loss of her daughter.
## A Call for Justice
Mr. Gumede believes the murderer was someone familiar with the child. He expressed confidence that the authorities would bring the perpetrator to justice. Meanwhile, he remains under the scrutiny of both the community and law enforcement as the investigation continues.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the need for enhanced child safety measures and vigilance in communities. The Ntshongwe community mourns the loss of an innocent life as they demand answers and accountability.