Angry mob kills man who allegedly raped and murdered 6-year-old girl

In Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa, a man accused of the rape and murder of a 6-year-old girl, Skholiwe Mahleka, was killed by an enraged mob. Mahleka had gone missing on December 7, 2023, and was discovered dead the following day in NU 13 Inyibiba near Mdantsane. Her body was found concealed under a bed in the residence of the alleged perpetrator.

Colonel Priscilla Naidu, the provincial police spokesperson, confirmed the incident on Friday, stating that the suspect faced severe assault from community members and eventually succumbed to his injuries. The police were called to a house in NU 13 Inyibiba when the community mobilized to search for the missing child. Upon police arrival at around 20:30 pm on Thursday, they encountered hostility from the community. After additional support arrived, the police entered the premises.

“A severely injured male was found naked outside; however, he later succumbed to his injuries. On searching the house, the body of the six-year-old was found under the bed, wrapped in plastic,” explained Naidu.

It is suspected that the child was raped, and a post-mortem will be conducted. The police are now investigating two cases of murder. Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nomthetheleli Mene emphasized the importance of vigilance and education in protecting children from sexual predators. Despite heightened emotions, Mene stressed that vigilantism is not a solution, and the rule of law must prevail. She urged communities to collaborate in addressing the root causes of such heinous acts.

Mene expressed condolences to the family of the innocent victim and called for unity in working towards preventing such tragedies in the future.