An Eerste River mother has described her devastation after her three-year-old daughter went missing from her father’s care on 30 June 2026 and was later found raped in a bushy area behind a shack in Forest Village.
“I was so hurt when I found out she was raped by that guy; I just felt like he took my daughter’s future away!” the mother said.
The toddler was discovered injured by a woman who said she caught the suspect sexually assaulting the child. Enraged community members killed the 42-year-old man on the spot. His body was found with multiple head injuries on Hood Street, Forest Village.
The father’s account
The 39-year-old father told reporters he had gone to a nearby shebeen to buy beer because he was hungover. He said his daughter had walked with him and was playing with her cousin and friends. The children went to the shop together, and when they returned without her, he realised she was missing.
“She walked with me to the shebeen and was playing with her cousin and friends. They went to the shop together and when they came back, I asked where she was, and they said she was walking behind them, but she wasn’t there,” he said.
Community leaders advised him to open a case. When he returned, he learned his daughter had been found — and then heard she had been raped.
“I was so happy that she was found. I thanked God. But then I heard she was raped! Those words… the trauma!” he said.
Mother’s pain
The mother, who had left her daughter with her father while she went to work, recalled the moment she received the call.
“I went to work and left her with her daddy. Then I got the call to say she is missing. My heart sank,” she said.
“I can’t explain how I feel, what that guy did to her. He hurt her, he hurt me, and he took away her future.”
Of the suspect’s death, she said: “I feel that that was justice, because that guy they killed already killed my daughter and her future.”
Search and support
The Faith and Hope Missing Persons Unit, led by founder Veranique “Benji” Williams, played a key role in the search, assisted by Nadia Faro and Juanita Maboussou. The toddler was later seen playing with teddy bears gifted by the team.
Before leaving, Williams directly addressed the father: “I want the Department of Social Development to check on that child, and the police. If there was neglect, they must follow through.”
The mother thanked Williams and her team before breaking down in tears.
Police investigation
SAPS has opened cases of murder and sexual assault. The sexual assault investigation has been transferred to the Kuilsrivier Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. The child received medical attention.
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk condemned the killing of the suspect, describing mob justice as illegal and a direct threat to community safety and stability. SAPS has urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.
The three-year-old girl is now safe and receiving support.
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