Mthethwa slams murder of Diepsloot toddlers

Nathi Mthethwa (Image: GCIS)

"Members of society not only in Diepsloot but across the country must work together with the police in combating abuse, neglect and exploitation of our children. As the police, we are intensifying the war against perpetrators of crime against children," he said.

"Protection of women, children and the elderly in South Africa is everyone's responsibility. Let us all become agents of change," Mthethwa added.

He said he has tasked police management to hunt down the person or persons responsible for this gruesome act, so that he or she can face the full might of the law.

The bodies of two cousins aged two and three were found in a public toilet in Diepsloot township, north of Johannesburg.

The murders have sent shockwaves throughout the country, with residents on Tuesday (15 October) venting their anger by taking to the streets in protest. Police have confirmed that suspects, who are all from the area, have been arrested.

Community violence cannot be condoned

"The disturbing scenes which we witnessed cannot be condoned. We condemn any form of mob justice. What we are faced with in many of our communities are forms of crimes, which can only be addressed if we strengthen our collective efforts against child abuse, neglect and exploitation," Mthethwa said.

SAPS spokesman Lungelo Dlamini said: "At this stage, police are still also investigating a possible link between the murders of other young girls in the area. One of the victims, a 5-year-old girl was found dead in September. It is suspected that she was sexually violated and strangled."

Although it is suspected that two young girls were strangled, Dlamini said they were still waiting for post-mortem results to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Mthethwa expressed his condolences to the family of the two children. "I am saddened about the horrific discovery of the two children's bodies. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families," he said.

Referring to incidents unfolding in Malamulele, Limpopo, Mthethwa also cautioned some members of society who destroyed properties, looted and burnt shops. He said there was no reasonable justification for any member of the public to take the law into their own hands.

"It needs to be noted that destroying property and looting shops cannot be a legitimate form of resolving challenges around policing. We will not tolerate criminality or lawlessness and police will act against any person who is found breaking the law," Mthethwa said.

He said that any attempt to hamper a police investigations was a punishable criminal offence and urged members of Malamulele not to do so.