Bethlehem, Free State – A wave of grief and outrage has swept through the Bohlokong community following the alleged murder of an 11-year-old girl. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, 29 December 2024, has left residents reeling and demanding stricter penalties for perpetrators of violent crimes against children.
A 50-year-old man from Phase 7, Bohlokong, is expected to appear in the Bethlehem Magistrates Court on Thursday, 2 January 2025, in connection with the death of the young girl. The man allegedly sent the child on an errand, only to commit a horrific act upon her return.
Free State police spokesman Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring detailed the events: “The suspect had allegedly sent the child to purchase cigarettes. Upon her return, a horrific event unfolded. She went to buy cigarettes and came back, but she didn't know his intentions. It's suspected that when the little girl came back, the suspect allegedly strangled her to death. The possibility of rape couldn't be ruled out, but postmortem results will be conducted in this regard,” he explained.
The girl’s body was discovered near a railway line with a visible wound to her neck. The brutality of the crime has shocked the community, leaving residents struggling to comprehend the senseless loss of a young life.
Lindiwe Khoza, a Bohlokong resident, expressed her profound shock and anger: "We don't want such cruel people in our community. The suspect, who could be her grandfather, chose to harm her. We respect the law, but our justice system is too lenient in punishing criminals," she said, voicing a sentiment shared by many in the community. The incident has ignited calls for harsher sentences for those convicted of violent crimes, particularly against vulnerable children.
Free State police commissioner Lieutenant-General Baile Motswenyane offered her condolences to the bereaved family and assured the community that the police would work tirelessly to ensure justice is served. “Crimes against children won't be tolerated. A murder charge has been registered at Bethlehem Police Station,” she stated, underscoring the seriousness with which the police are treating this case.
The alleged perpetrator's actions have understandably caused immense pain and suffering for the victim's family. Attempts to reach the family for comment were unfortunately unsuccessful. However, the community's collective grief and anger are palpable, reflecting the deep emotional impact this tragedy has had on Bohlokong.
