Note to editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Michael Sun MPL.
The safety of Gauteng children is under siege following the recent tragic death of a four-year-old, Liquethan Kiewietse from Eldorado Park, allegedly abused by her father. The DA Gauteng calls on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to conduct a swift, thorough, and uncompromising investigation.
This senseless act has robbed our community of an innocent life and left a wound that will not easily heal. It serves as a reminder of how sick our society is and the shameful failure to protect our children against abuse and worse, murder.
The DA Gauteng calls for the perpetrator of this heinous crime to be brought to book and for a strong message to be sent to like-minded individuals who are preying on our children.
The death of a toddler must not be in vain, nor should it be reduced to another number in the next crime statistics. As a community, we must unite, stand firm and act decisively against crimes of violence and abuse against our children.
The DA in Gauteng will closely monitor and follow up on the criminal investigation and prosecution of the suspect(s). We will also ensure that the Gauteng Provincial Government take immediate and necessary action so that this case is brought before the court without delay.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would urgently establish a special investigation unit to deal with the killings of both women and children alongside the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS).
The DA will continue to make constructive proposals to strengthen child protection measures, improve law enforcement responsiveness, and ensure harsher consequences for those who harm children.
Our children are the most vulnerable members of our society, and their safety must be non-negotiable. We are putting our faith in the National Prosecuting Authority to prosecute this case without fear, favour, or delay.