Crowds protest as man appears in court for murder of 12-year-old girl

The man arrested for the murder of a 12-year-old girl, whose burnt body was discovered after she went missing for three days, appeared in the Motherwell magistrate’s court on Monday.

Members from the religious fraternity, non-profit organisations and political organisations picket outside the Motherwell magistrate's court on Monday, where the alleged murderer of a 12-year-old girl was applying for bail
Members from the religious fraternity, non-profit organisations and political organisations picket outside the Motherwell magistrate's court on Monday, where the alleged murderer of a 12-year-old girl was applying for bail (EUGENE COETZEE)

The man arrested for the murder of a 12-year-old girl, whose burnt body was discovered after she went missing for three days, appeared in the Motherwell magistrate’s court on Monday.

Sonwabo Nqayi has been charged with kidnapping, murder and defeating the ends of justice.

The matter was postponed to July 7 for a formal bail application.

Outside the court, scores of people gathered in support of the family of Lithaliyanda Ntini.

Members from the religious fraternity, nonprofit organisations and political organisations took part.

Lithaliyanda, who had dreams of one day becoming a doctor, was reported missing after she failed to return home from a nearby shop in Motherwell on Tuesday last week.

For three days, family members and residents searched desperately, clinging to hope.

But that hope was shattered when her charred remains were found dumped in dense bushes near Khabonqaba Street in NU6 at about 2am on Friday.

The Herald


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