Diepsloot toddler’s family slams delays in brutal attack case

Disclaimer:

This article contains graphic details and may be distressing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

The family of the 3-year-old girl, who was raped, stabbed, and abandoned on the roof of a shack in Lion Park, Diepsloot, says repeated postponement of the case are deliberate delaying tactics that are taking a severe emotional toll on the family.

The 28-year-old suspect, who is the child’s mother’s ex-boyfriend and a former family friend, appeared at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday. However, the case was postponed again until December 12 due to outstanding evidence and incomplete witness statements.

The repeated delays have left the family feeling exhausted and frustrated, uncertain of when justice will finally be served for the young victim.

The toddler’s mother, Zanele Sekonyela, described the heavy emotional burden the ordeal has placed on her and her loved ones.

The child’s aunt, Nthabiseng Hatase, echoed this sentiment, telling YNews that the family cannot find peace without answers or progress in the case.

The young victim, who was placed in an induced coma following the brutal attack, has since been discharged from the hospital. However, she now relies on feeding tubes to consume solid food as she continues with her recovery.

The child was under the care of her grandmother at the time of her disappearance.

The 28-year-old man reportedly took her and two other children under the pretence of buying them sweets. Only two of the children returned home, raising immediate suspicion.

According to the family, medical reports confirmed that the child had been sexually violated, stabbed in the neck, and abandoned on the roof before the suspect fled.

By the time police arrived, the shack where the attack occured, had already been torn down by enraged community members – an act police condemned saying it compromises it’s investigation as evidence can be destroyed.

However, one unnamed resident told YNews that the community had given police ample time to investigate before taking action.

The accused made his second court appearance today, where the Magistrate ordered the case to be handed to a new investigating officer due to the poor performance of the current one.

The decision followed heavy criticism from the court over the lack of crucial witness statements and key evidence, including the fact that the statement of the 3-year-old victim has still not been taken.

Residents of the Lion Park informal settlement packed the courtroom, with tensions running high as the accused was led back to his cell. Community members voiced their fear for their children’s safety and accused the police of dragging their feet on the investigation.

The accused, reportedly apprehended by community members while drinking and who allegedly confessed to the crime, claiming “the devil made him do it,” will remain behind bars until his next court appearance.

The 28-year-old suspect is due back in court on December 12.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe