Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Estelle Pretorius and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL.
The brutal rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl has left the Tswelopele community devastated and angry. No family should ever have to endure such a tragedy, and no child should grow up in a community where they are not safe.
The DA in Tswelopele strongly condemns violence against children, gender-based violence (GBV), rape, murder and every form of abuse taking place in our communities.
We have to ask: When will the ANC government open its eyes to the crime crisis affecting Tswelopele and communities across South Africa?
Crime cannot simply be accepted as part of everyday life.
The population of Phahameng continues to grow, yet policing resources have not kept pace with the community’s needs. The DA has previously called for a satellite police station in Phahameng, but our calls have fallen on deaf ears.
We will now escalate this matter to the provincial authorities and continue fighting for greater police visibility and adequate policing resources for Tswelopele.
But policing is only one part of the solution.
Tswelopele faces serious social challenges. Drug and alcohol abuse is destroying families and contributing to crime and violence. Unemployment and poverty further deepen the problems experienced by our communities, while social services are often simply unable to meet the enormous need.
As referenced in our 2026 Manifesto, the DA believes Tswelopele needs:
- Greater capacitation of police officers on the ground and greater visible policing;
- A satellite police station in Phahameng;
- Stronger action against drug and alcohol abuse;
- Better and more accessible social services;
- Greater protection and support for children and victims of GBV;
- Real economic opportunities and ultimately a job in every household.
This tragedy must not simply become another statistic that is forgotten when the headlines disappear.
A seven-year-old child deserved to grow up, go to school, play with her friends and dream about her future.
Her death must strengthen our determination to demand safer communities for every child in Tswelopele.
The DA will continue to speak out. We will continue to demand accountability. And we will continue fighting for communities where our children, women and families can live without fear.
Enough is enough. Tswelopele deserves better. Our children deserve better. South Africa deserves better.