Limpopo police commissioner urges guidance within families after uncle assaults niece (16) to death for sleeping out

LIMPOPO police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, remained shocked after the arrest of an uncle for allegedly assaulting his 16-year old niece to death for sleeping out.

“It is shocking and disturbing to hear that the perpetrator in this matter is a family member, an uncle to the victim who is supposed to guide and protect a young girl in this regard.

“This incident underscores the importance of addressing and preventing violence within a family setup and communities at large,” Hadebe said.

The incident happened in the Thohoyandou area in Vhembe district on Tuesday.

Police reports indicate that the 33-year old uncle went out on Tuesday to look for his niece who did not sleep at home for some days. The suspect finally found her at home.

Confrontation then ensued which resulted in the uncle hitting the niece with an object. The niece tried to escape but fell, and the uncle took her back to the house.

Her mother summoned the emergency medical services personnel, and the niece was declared dead on the scene.

The uncle was arrested immediately. He is facing charges of assault and murder.