Toddler (3) dies, rape case opened

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The KwaNonqaba Police visited the bereaved Khumalo family following the death of their three-year-old daughter, Olwethu, earlier this week.

According to information from the police, Olwethu was taken to the Mossel Bay Provincial Hospital on Monday, 20 October, after having suffered from a high fever.

She was treated for boils at a local clinic prior to being taken to hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, Olwethu was declared dead.

When being seen by a physician at the hospital, signs were found that indicated the toddler had been raped. An autopsy report confirmed, however, that Olwethu died of chicken pox.

The Kwanonqaba Police have opened an inquest docket, and have opened an investigation into the toddler's apparent rape.

The investigation will be taken further by the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Adriaans Lane, Asla Park.

Olwethu was not at a crèche but cared for at home by her mother, Cindy.

Service
On Wednesday, 23 October, members of the KwaNonqaba Police and the community police forum, led by the station commander Lieutenant-Colonel Asiza Mandongana, reached out to the Khumalo family, hosting a religious meeting at the family's home in Myezo Street, KwaNonqaba.

A small group of Olwethu's family members, including her parents, were present.

Reverend Gcaza comforted the family from Matthew 28:20, quoting Jesus saying: "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

He said that death confirms the truthfulness of God and reminds us that we are just visitors on earth. "He is present in the Holy Spirit that helps us to see beyond the suffering we experience whilst on earth."

He said that the police, over and above their expected service delivery to the community, are going the extra mile and "doing the extraordinary" to offer comfort in such traumatic times, "when crime is manifesting in such a violent manner in the community".

The KwaNonqaba Police have been visiting victims of crime regularly under the command of Liet-Col Mandongana.

She addressed the family, expressing her condolences and affirming the words of Rev Gcaza. Again she committed herself and her staff to bring those accountable for violent and sexual crimes toward women and children, to justice.

Olwethu's mother, Cindy, holding a sleeping baby, sat motionless and after the last worship song was sung by those present, wiped a single tear from her cheek.

Reverend Gcaza (left) comforts Cindy Khumalo, little Olwethu's mother. Cindy is holding one of her younger children.