Mourners at the funeral of 22-month-old toddler, who died from her injuries after being allegedly raped by her biological father (27), have all echoed the same sentiments that justice must move swiftly, and harsh sentence be meted out against her father, should he be convicted.
The shocking incident occurred at Ntsimbini location in Port St Johns on February 2, and the girl’s funeral was held at her mother’s home in Waterfall, Mthatha, on February 16.
The girl’s father, who may not be named as he has not yet pleaded to the charges, was due back in court yesterday, February 23, on rape and murder charges.
“As a family we are still shocked by the incident and our only wish is for the court not to grant him [the suspect] bail and that he be sentenced to life imprisonment without any possibility of a parole. How can a full-grown man rape a toddler, his own child at that,” a fumed family spokesperson, who is the toddler’s grandfather, said.
“This is not a first incident from that area because last year, near Ntsimbini location, a young boy was brutally murdered, and his body cooked and eaten.”
“We hope that the criminal justice will be efficient in dealing with this case so that it can be speedily concluded,” said children’s rights activist and founder of Khula Community Development Project, Petrus Majola, who also attended the funeral.
The SA Women’s Lawyers Association (SAWLA) also promised to pay close attention to the case to ensure that justice was served on the perpetrator, so that the family could move on from the horrible experience.
Libode businessman, Justice Madolo, through his company Dololo Funeral Parlour, covered all the funeral expenses for the bereaved family.
