As a community mourns the death of a 12-year-old girl whose burnt body was discovered after she went missing for three days, a relative has been arrested in connection with her murder.
Lithaliyanda Ntoni, 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.
Her body was described as blackened, blistered and severely burnt.
Police have confirmed the arrest of a 39-year-old man and said investigations were continuing.
Young Lithaliyanda’s death has fuelled community tensions after the bodies of two teenage girls were found in KwaNobuhle on June 18.
They had also been burnt.
Four people have since been arrested in connection with the murders of Sinothando Malinga, 19, and Ibanathi Peter, 17.
They have since abandoned their bids for bail.
Meanwhile, a massive search and rescue operation and an extensive pamphlet campaign had been launched to trace Lithaliyanda.
However, the family could not have anticipated the heartbreak that was to follow.
The exact sequence of events and Lithaliyanda’s cause of death will form part of the investigation.
However, her family was dealt a second blow when the husband of one of her eight siblings was arrested for the alleged kidnapping and murder.
He is due to appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Monday, and it is understood further charges could be added.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the investigation was ongoing.
Acting provincial police commissioner Major-General Thandiswa Kupiso said: “While we commend the swift arrest in this case, the brutal nature of this child’s murder has deeply shocked our officers and the community.
“We have full confidence in our investigative team and the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure justice for Lithaliyanda and her family.”
The girl’s emotional sister, Tebi Tini, who is the second eldest of eight siblings, said she was shattered by the loss of her little sister.
“Lithaliyanda was just 12 years old,” she said through sobs.
She said Lithaliyanda, who was in grade 7 at Elundini Primary School, was doing well academically.
“She was very smart, always eager to learn.
“Everyone loved being around her because she was so bubbly and full of life.
“She had this light inside her — you couldn’t help but smile when she was near.
“She was kind and loving, always putting others first.
“She wanted to be a doctor one day, to help people and make a difference. That was her dream.
“She was so proud of her schoolwork and looked forward to starting high school next year. She talked about it almost every day.
“We were all so close.
“Losing her has left a huge hole in all our hearts. It’s hard to believe she’s gone.”
She described how the family had searched desperately for Lithaliyanda after she went missing.
“We spread posters everywhere, asked the whole community to help.
“We never stopped hoping and praying that we would find her safe and alive.
“But when we heard what had happened ... it ... it completely broke me.
“To know she was hurt so badly, and that her life was taken from her, it’s unbearable.”
Despite the grief, Tini said the family was holding onto the memories of Lithaliyanda’s bright spirit.
“She was a shining star, and no darkness can take that away.
“We will carry her dreams in our hearts, though she’s not here to live them.”
SA National Civic Organisation provincial secretary and community leader Tony Duba said meetings had been held with the family.
“We visited the family after we got the briefing from the police about the progress of the case,” he said.
“I must hasten to say that I commend the speed with which the detectives in Motherwell have moved to effect the arrest in this murder case.
“I think we are now noticing the new emerging trends, the [alleged] involvement of family members.
“We are going to oppose bail in this case on Monday.”
In a show of support for the family and to advocate against bail, a picket has been planned for 9am at the Motherwell police station, which is adjacent to the court where the suspect is expected to appear.
The EFF in Nelson Mandela Bay also expressed outrage at the brutal murder.
“Lithaliyanda was a bright and innocent young girl whose life was taken in an unspeakable act of violence,” the party said in a statement.
“This incident has left her family, the community of Motherwell, and the people of Gqeberha shaken and in mourning.”
EFF Motherwell co-ordinator Lukhanyo Mrara said: “While we commend the swift arrest in this case, the brutal nature of this child’s murder has deeply shocked our community and Gqeberha in general.
“We [demand] justice for Lithaliyanda and her family.”
In the wake of the spate of attacks on young women in the Bay, a joint special crime prevention operation was launched on Friday afternoon to tackle serious and violent crimes such as murder, hijackings and armed robberies.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said Operation Shanella II would also aim to clamp down on illegal firearms, stolen goods, drugs and counterfeit goods.
It comprised members of some of the city’s most elite units.
The Herald
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