Local News
Olwethu Mpedi laid to rest─── 15:37 Thu, 10 Apr 2014
Lerato Lelia
Tears flowed from the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Olly Mlamleli and community members as the remains of little Olwethu Mpedi from Bergman Square were finally laid to rest today.
Olwethu was allegedly murdered by her father who after murdering her buried her in the pit toilet at their family home in Bergman Square. Her remains were discovered in March this year after her sister reported the incident after seven years of silence due to alleged death threats from her father if she reported the incident.
The MEC used the opportunity to address parents as well as the community and pleaded with them to protect their children and to be more aware of the warning signs of child abuse. “Lastly I want to say to us as mothers. Let’s take care of our girls, let’s take care of our daughters. Look at the signs, a child has signs. Do not ignore those signs,” she exclaimed.
The accused was also arrested for the murder of his mother and father in-law as well as the attempted murder and rape of Olwethu’s grandmother. The accused remains in custody until his bail application tomorrow.
MEC for Social Development, Sisi Ntombela, the ANC Women’s League and more than 200 Bergman Square community members also attended the funeral.
Emotional MEC for Social Development, Sisi Ntombela and MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Olly Mlamleli Photo by: Sandra Mulder
Photo by: Sandra Mulder
Photo by: Sandra Mulder
