Weigh Bridge Scale Master to Appear in Court for Corruption
September 10, 2024
North west Province Faces High HIV Prevalence and Challenges
September 11, 2024
MEC for Community Safety, Security, and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie, has strongly condemned the recent crimes involving three young people, including two cases of rape and one instance of rape and murder, in Tonga and Hendrina.
According to police reports, the first incident occurred on 2 September 2024, when two learners, aged 16 and 17, were allegedly raped by an armed suspect while on their way to school. The suspect remains at large.
In a separate incident, the body of an 11-year-old girl was discovered with stab wounds, and there is a suspicion that she may have been raped as well. The girl, who was reported missing, was found about 100 meters from the suspect’s shack.
MEC Macie expressed his deep distress over these heinous crimes and emphasized the need for justice. “The law must take its course to ensure that the perpetrators of these horrific acts are prosecuted,” he said.
He commended the police for their prompt arrest of the suspect linked to the death of the 11-year-old girl and urged continued efforts to apprehend the suspect in the Tonga case. “We cannot fail these young people as a government. We must ensure that their aggressors face the full force of the law. The two young victims were on their way to school to pursue their education when they were subjected to this traumatic experience. This incident could have long-lasting effects on their futures.”
MEC Macie further condemned the actions of these criminals, stating, “These perpetrators have no place in our communities. We cannot tolerate individuals who, instead of protecting our children, inflict harm upon them.”
To bolster crime-fighting efforts, MEC Macie announced the deployment of Crime Prevention Wardens (CPWs) across the province. These wardens are intended to enhance the effectiveness of existing policing structures, aid in the quicker resolution of crimes, and help locate wanted suspects. “Many of these criminals are known within their communities, and fear often prevents people from coming forward. The deployment of CPWs is expected to improve the turnaround time in solving criminal cases,” he added.