The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Gauteng is deeply shocked and saddened by the killing of a four-month-old baby girl who was allegedly kidnapped from Diepsloot and later found dead near the Hennops River.
We strongly condemn this terrible act of violence against a child. No child should lose their life in such circumstances. We also condemn the alleged rape and abuse of the baby’s mother. Women and children must be protected from violence in their homes, communities and places where they seek spiritual or religious support.
COSATU Gauteng welcomes the response from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who has condemned the incident and called for those responsible to face the full might of the law. We believe that the provincial government, together with the police and other law-enforcement agencies, must ensure that the investigation is given the necessary resources and that the suspect who remains at large is brought before the courts.
This incident also reminds us that working-class communities continue to face serious challenges of violence, crime and GBVF. Poor families should not have to live in fear that their children or loved ones are not safe. The state must strengthen policing, community safety programmes and support services for victims of violence.
COSATU Gauteng also calls on communities to remain united and to provide information to the police that can assist in finding the suspect. At the same time, people must not take the law into their own hands.
We call for the mother and the family to receive proper counselling, protection and all the support they need during this painful time.
The death of a four-month-old child must not become just another statistic. COSATU Gauteng will continue to support efforts to end violence against women and children and to build communities where working-class families can live safely and with dignity.
COSATU Gauteng sends its deepest condolences to the family and calls for justice for the child.
Issued by COSATU Gauteng
Provincial Chairperson: Amos Vusi Monyela: 079 493 5002
Provincial Secretary: Louisah Moepeng Modikwe: 082 297 2659