A murder investigation is underway in Eersterivier after a 42-year-old man was found dead in Forest Village, while police also investigate the alleged kidnapping and rape of a three-year-old girl.
Man Found Dead in Forest Village
According to police informationt, the man’s body was found at around 5:30pm on Tuesday, 30 June, in Hood Street, Forest Village.
SAPS said the man had suffered multiple head injuries.
Detectives are still working to establish what happened. However, early investigations suggest the killing may be linked to a separate case involving a young child who had been reported missing earlier.
Missing Child Found After Screams Heard
Police said the three-year-old girl was reported missing by her father at Kleinvlei Police Station.
She was later found in Forrest Drive after members of the public reportedly heard her screaming.
The child was taken to a nearby medical facility for an examination.
The case involving the alleged kidnapping and rape has now been transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Kuils River.
Police Condemn Vigilantism
Authorities have not confirmed whether the dead man was directly connected to the alleged crimes involving the child.
Police said the full circumstances around both incidents remain under investigation.
SAPS also strongly condemned vigilantism after the man’s body was discovered.
“The South African Police Service condemns vigilantism in the strongest possible terms,” police said.
SAPS warned that no person or group has the right to take the law into their own hands, regardless of the circumstances.
Detectives Appeal for iInformation
Detectives from Kleinvlei SAPS are investigating the murder and are following all available leads to identify those responsible.
Police have called on anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could help investigators, to come forward.
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