McKeed Kotlolo

McKeed Kotlolo

Angry Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, residents gathered outside the home of a suspected child killer yesterday, threatening to set it alight.

This follows the alleged rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl, Thandeka Mashilo, who was sleeping in an outside room with her four-year-old brother in Extension 2 at the weekend.

"In the room the grandmother made the gruesome discovery and the police were alerted," said Inspector Sanet Lourens of the Bronkhorstspruit police.

Lourens said they were looking for a 31-year-old family friend, Thabiso "Seun" Mahlangu, also of Extension 2.

Yesterday local ward councillor Ntombikayise Ntshabeleng visited the bereaved family and then visited the home of the suspected killer.

While Ntshabeleng was with the grandmother, a group of angry residents gathered outside the granny's house and demanded that she reveal the whereabouts of Mahlangu. The police were called in to intervene.

"We have searched without stopping since Friday but without success," Lourens said.

She appealed to the public to assist the police in finding Mahlangu. Anyone with information should contact the Bronkhorstspruit police or call the Crime Stop at 086-001-0111.