Johannesburg’s MMC for Public Safety, Mgcini Tshwaku, has announced that police are following a crucial lead in the investigation into the murder of 14-year-old Likhona Fose, whose mutilated body was found in a veld near Durban Deep, Roodepoort, last Sunday.
Tshwaku made the revelation during an emotional memorial service held at Maruing Primary School in Braamfischerville, where classmates, teachers, and community members gathered to honor the teenager, whose life was tragically cut short.
A Life Cut Short
Likhona was last seen alive on Saturday before her body was discovered the following day. The gruesome nature of her killing has sparked fears of ritualistic motives, with authorities confirming they are investigating possible links to other cases of mutilation in the area.
“There have been cases around the area of some rituals or dismembering of individuals,” Tshwaku said. “We’ve given a 72-hour notice for the JMPD TRU, K9 unit, and other law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts.”
School and Community in Grief
Teachers and classmates paid tribute to Likhona, remembering her as a bright and kind student. A schoolteacher lamented, “As a school, we planted a seed in her and expected Likhona to grow and become successful. We feel a sharp pain in our hearts.”
Her peers honored her through poems and speeches, with one tribute reading, “A life cut short, dear one forever in our thoughts—a friend, a smile so bright.”
Impact on Education and Safety
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) reported that the murder has disrupted afternoon classes in neighboring schools, with many female learners now fearing for their safety.
“This kind of diabolic and evil act has a negative impact on our intervention programs,” a SADTU representative said. “Now we have girls who are afraid to come to school or stay for extra lessons.”
Condemnation of Ritual Killings
Johannesburg Executive Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda condemned the belief in ritual killings as a means to wealth, urging communities to reject such notions.
“There’s no body part that will make you rich,” Gwamanda said. “If you want to be rich, you must wake up in the morning and work hard.”
Call for Justice
Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward as they work to track down Likhona’s killers. Meanwhile, the grieving community prepares to lay her to rest next week Saturday in the Eastern Cape.
As investigations continue, the haunting question remains: How many more children must be lost before justice is served?