Pretoria – Western Cape Social Development MEC Albert Fritz has welcomed the arrest of four suspects who allegedly murdered four-year-old Iyapha Yamile.
Iyapha’s body was found in a plastic bag dumped near a local informal settlement on Monday, after being reported missing on Sunday in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
“Any harm, abuse or murder of children should have no place in South Africa, and the Children’s Act of 2005, enjoins us all to place the best interests of children first,” said MEC Fritz on Wednesday.
MEC Fritz appealed to the South African Police Services to conduct a thorough investigation and help secure a conviction.
“I’m also calling on communities to support the police, and help them build solid cases and bring the perpetrators of these crimes to book.”
The MEC further called on parents and communities to be extra vigilant of their children, especially during school holidays or over long-weekends.
The provincial department has dispatched social workers from the Khayelitsha local office to offer trauma and bereavement counselling.
The department said it will support the family during this difficult time, and render any support needed. – SAnews.gov.za
