The search for a missing eight-year-old girl from Senekal in the Free State has ended in heartbreak, leaving the local community devastated and demanding justice. Naledi Ramaisa, who was reported missing on 15 January, was found dead the following day, and a suspect has since been arrested in connection with her killing.
According to police reports, Naledi was last seen on the morning of 15 January when her aunt, who is also her guardian, left for work at around 07:00. When she returned home later that day, Naledi was nowhere to be found. Concerned for the child’s safety, the aunt immediately reported her missing, prompting a police search operation and community involvement.
The search intensified on 16 January as police officers and residents combed the area around Tambo in Senekal. At approximately 10:30, Sergeant TS Tlali from the Senekal Visible Policing unit visited the residence of Naledi’s aunt, Ms Msibi, as part of the ongoing investigation. During the search, officers noticed that a shack located next door was locked, raising suspicions as no one appeared to be home.
Police then detected a strong and unusual foul smell coming from inside the locked shack. Acting on this observation, officers forced the door open to investigate further. Inside, they made a gruesome discovery: the body of a young child was found concealed inside a 1,000-litre blue container. Police later confirmed that the deceased was Naledi Ramaisa.
Free State police spokesperson Sinah Mpakane confirmed the discovery and provided details from the scene. Further investigations revealed that the shack belonged to a woman who was away in Welkom at the time. She had reportedly left the shack under the care of her 16-year-old nephew, who was attending school when the body was discovered.
Police subsequently fetched the teenager from school for questioning. During the interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to assaulting Naledi. He claimed that he struck the child with a rock after finding her picking peaches—locally known as diperekisi—from a tree. According to his statement, when he realised that Naledi was unconscious, he panicked, dragged her into the shack, and hid her body inside the container.
Naledi was declared dead at the scene, and her aunt positively identified her. The teenager was arrested and is expected to appear before court on Monday, 19 January, where he will face a charge of murder.
Naledi’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through the Senekal community. Residents have expressed anger, grief, and disbelief that such a violent act could be committed against a young child. Community members are calling for justice and stronger measures to protect children, while others have urged parents and guardians to closely monitor the safety of children in their neighborhoods.
As investigations continue, Naledi’s death stands as a painful reminder of the vulnerability of children and the devastating consequences of violence within communities.
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