Missing 4-year-old Reitumetse Madibeng confirmed dead

Kidnappings and killing of kids are rife in South Africa, yet another child succumbed to death in a very suspicious manner, the details of her death are still sketchy at the moment as some suspects foul play.

The body of four-year-old Reitumetse Madibeng has been found by members of the police during an extensive search on a farm near Dewetsdorp in the Free State.

According to Manguang police spokesperson Thabo Covane, it is alleged that two young ladies left the four-year-old girl lying down under the tree by the roadside towards Daspoort after the child complained about
being tired from walking.

“The duo left the child where she was resting and continued walking with her 2-year-old sister to the farm in the area.

Upon arrival at their destination, they informed the child’s mother that they had left her behind,” said Covani.

“The mother immediately alerted the police. A search team was assembled but could not locate her.” he added.

Covane says a case of child neglect was opened and the two women were arrested.

He further added that a search team, made up of various police units and media houses; SABC and 1FREE STATE TV, continued searching for Reitumetse in Dewetsdorp Thursday morning.

Sadly, in the late afternoon of Thursday, after rigorously searching the Daspoort Road, dams and quarries in the area, the team discovered the lifeless body of Reitumetse near the farm road between Kareelaagte and Deelpan.

According to the deceased’s grandmother Lucy Matsipa, she didn’t want Reitumetse and her sister to go in the first place.

Despite insisting that she would take the kids to their mother on Monday herself, the suspects were adamant to take them. Their aunt, 20 years old, and her 19-year-old friend accompanied the kids.

The two suspects are currently in police custody for child neglect. They are scheduled to appear in Dewetsdorp Magistrate Court on Wednesday, January 17 for a bail application.

Members of the public who may have further information that can contribute to the investigation are requested to contact sergeant Simon Mabunda on 082 445 9922.

Alternatively the information can be submitted on MySAPS App or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111.