logo
Deputy ministers in the police and youth ministries will visit Lukhona Fose's home

Deputy ministers in the police and youth ministries will visit Lukhona Fose's home

Eyewitness News02-06-2025
JOHANNESBURG - Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo and Deputy Minister of Women and Youth Steve Letseke are set to visit the family of 14-year-old Lukhona Fose in Roodepoort on Monday, following the gruesome discovery of her mutilated body in the area.
Fose was reported missing by her family over the weekend when she did not return home.
It's understood she was last seen with a group of friends the day she vanished.
Her body was found in a veld not far from her home a day later a discovery that has angered the community.
ALSO READ: Likhona Fosa's family says community last saw her with friends on day she vanished
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the 14-year-old's death, and an autopsy is expected to be conducted this week.
Her family says she was found naked from the waist down, with cuts on both her upper and lower body.
Her uncle, Mthobeli Fose, is calling for justice to be served.
"We are deeply hurt by the passing of Lukhona. She was killed brutally; she was so young, and we don't know who did this. We want the police to find these people. We want to know who did it."
This latest incident comes as the country observes Child Protection Week.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Polly Boshielo: ‘I can't lie, morale is low' as SAPS faces leadership shake-up
Polly Boshielo: ‘I can't lie, morale is low' as SAPS faces leadership shake-up

IOL News

time15-07-2025

  • IOL News

Polly Boshielo: ‘I can't lie, morale is low' as SAPS faces leadership shake-up

Police deputy minister, Polly Boshielo, said the morale is low after Minister Senzo Mchunu was put on special leave. Image: SAPS Despite explaining why she can't act as the Police Minister, Polly Boshielo said motivation and a positive attitude at work are low, especially now that Minister Senzo Mchunu is on special leave. The appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia by President Cyril Ramaphosa as acting minister has been met with mixed emotions. This comes after allegations by KZN Police Commissioner Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of colluding with criminals. In an interview with SA FM, Boshielo said they were waiting for Cachalia to report to the office so that work could commence. "Yes, we have spoken to our staff to say that not everything is out of hand, they must focus on work and help our people... I cannot lie to you, the morale is a little bit low because we worked very well with the minister. "As you know, you would see us working together because we were showing each other how best we could turn the police service into a better institution," she said. Sharing light on why Cachalia was put in Mchunu's seat, Boshielo said in terms of the law, the deputy minister can't be appointed as acting minister unless there is a reshuffle. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading "In terms of what is happening in the department, everything is going as normal," she stated. In South Africa, deputy ministers are not eligible to be appointed as acting ministers due to constitutional and legal limitations. This position is clearly outlined in the Constitution. According to Section 93, deputy ministers are appointed to assist ministers but do not possess executive authority independently. When a minister is absent or the position becomes vacant, only a member of the cabinet may be appointed by the president to act in that role, in accordance with Section 98 of the Constitution. IOL Politics

‘No moral standing': Saps must act tough on GBVF officers
‘No moral standing': Saps must act tough on GBVF officers

The Citizen

time08-07-2025

  • The Citizen

‘No moral standing': Saps must act tough on GBVF officers

Critics say police culture enables abuse, and demand tougher sentences for Saps officers who commit GBVF. The South African Police Service (Saps) must deal harshly with its members involved in gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), according to experts. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) recently stated that during the 2024-2025 financial year, 92 rape cases involving police officers were finalised. This resulted in 21 departmental convictions and 11 criminal convictions. Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo said: 'By the president's declaration that GBVF constitutes a national crisis, it will continue to be prioritised. A zero-tolerance approach will be adopted. Zero tolerance for GBVF in Saps – deputy minister 'More investigators will be up-skilled in the investigation of sexual offences to decrease GBVF-related cases in the Saps. 'Our officers are committed to ensuring they uphold the rule of law and in instances where they are not, Ipid must exercise its legislative mandate.' ALSO READ: Withdrawn GBV cases allow 'perpetrators to evade justice', hears portfolio committee Saps has enlisted the expertise of retired investigators to contribute to reducing its backlog, she added. A budget of R844.5 million has been allocated to the investigation and provincial coordination programme over three years. 'This initiative will focus on the investigation of backlog cases in terms of Section 28(1)(a)(h) of the Ipid Act, which includes death in police custody, death as a result of police action, rape by a police officer, corruption and related crimes.' In-house forensic investigation capability crucial She said an in-house forensic investigation capability was also crucial for improving the quality of investigations. This includes the recruitment of financial data analysts, cyber forensic experts and crime analysts and the procurement of a forensic electronic system. ALSO READ: Less than 25% of Gauteng police stations have dedicated toilets for GBV victims Brenda Madumise-Pajibo, director of the feminist organisation Wise4Afrika, called on Saps' management and other relevant authorities to deal harshly with the perpetrators in the police. 'We have said consistently that law enforcement officers are contaminated and are highly compromised in matters of sexual violence and domestic violence. They have no moral standing to uphold the rule of law.' Saps code of conduct ignored Witness Maluleke, a criminologist at the University of Limpopo, said the Saps code of conduct was ignored. 'They continue breaking the same laws due to power dynamics. Instead of protecting victims of rape, they re-victimise them. They should be heavily sentenced,' he said.

Child protection week: Learn how to report child abuse in Gauteng
Child protection week: Learn how to report child abuse in Gauteng

The Citizen

time11-06-2025

  • The Citizen

Child protection week: Learn how to report child abuse in Gauteng

As SA marked Child Protection Week (May 29 to June 5), the Child Guardian Unit (CGU) celebrated its first anniversary by intensifying efforts to protect children and raise awareness about their rights. The event brought together teachers, NPOs, social workers, legal professionals, police officers and the community. 'We've decided to mark our anniversary every year during Child Protection Week because it's a crucial time to shine a light on children's safety. 'Many are vaguely aware of it but don't fully understand what it means, where it fits, or how they can get involved,' said Delani Hollhumer, the co-founder of the CGU. ALSO READ: Child Protection Week 2025: It's in our hands to safeguard children's rights Hollhumer emphasised the importance of Child Protection Week, stressing that children need to understand their rights. They need to know they have a voice and, more importantly, that they are not alone. Hollhumer added that the week offered a platform for critical conversations. 'We're trying to raise awareness not just among children but among adults, too, parents, family members, community members, so they speak up when something isn't right. We can never have enough hard conversations about child protection. 'The statistics are grim, but the rise in reporting also shows more people are speaking out,' she added. ALSO READ: Bedfordview Police highlight child protection week The CGU was founded almost by accident, Delani recalls, after she met Janine Dalgleish at the Bedfordview police station. Janine had brought in a teenager in crisis, and the two began talking about gaps in the system. 'She asked me, 'Where do we go? Who do we report to?' and I said, 'I honestly don't know.' That was the start,' said Delani. Together with local stakeholders, the Bedfordview SAPS, the Department of Social Development and community members, they began creating a network of support and reporting channels for children in crisis. 'One of the biggest challenges was that people simply didn't know where to go to report abuse or neglect. That's where we come in. We help guide people to the right organisations,' she explained. Looking back on the first year, Delani said there's a lot to be proud of but also much more to do. 'Networking has been vital. It's not just about departments, it's about community organisations, NPOs and individuals working together.' She added, 'Ninety per cent of my day is spent on the phone with people I've never even met. So having events like this – celebrations that double as networking opportunities – is priceless.' Despite dealing with heartbreaking cases, the CGU staff celebrate small victories. ALSO READ: Child Protection Week: A call to end violence against children 'We ask ourselves each day: What was our small win today? It could be a successful report or finally getting help for a child after months of trying,' said Delani. 'We know these are long processes, and we focus on reaching that end goal – safety and justice for the child.' She urged the community to be vigilant. 'If something feels off, a child looks neglected or something just doesn't sit right, report it. People often don't know where to go and feel intimidated, but don't stop. 'If it's serious and you're unsure, keep trying until you find someone who can help. And yes, you can contact us.' The CGU, though based in Bedfordview, Edenvale, and Primrose, supports cases as far as Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, and Mpumalanga. 'People reach out and we walk them through the steps. Our network grows each year,' she said. The organisation has just launched its website, and she encourages the public to visit to learn more or get involved. 'We've launched the CGU Ambassadors – businesses and individuals who offer their expertise. Maybe someone owns a stationery company and can help with printing. Maybe an attorney wants to offer pro bono advice. Every little bit helps.' ALSO READ: Gauteng leads child protection efforts with accredited care centres They've also introduced Safer Adults, carefully screened and trained volunteers, and plan to launch a new initiative called CGU Mommies. 'We're working with hospitals so volunteers can provide love and care to abandoned babies. It's about being there in those critical early days. Nothing is too big or too small. 'Maybe someone wants to host a children's party or help with the next event. Whatever it is, we're open to collaborating.' Arlene Zlotnick, representing the Impilo Foundation, echoed the urgency of raising awareness about protecting children, 'Children are our future. 'At Impilo, we say children are born to be. Every child deserves the chance to grow into who they were meant to be, even those abandoned at birth.' She called attention to the country's crises, including GBV and teenage pregnancy. 'We're not doing enough. One of those abandoned children could be the next president or the person who finds a cure for cancer. But they have no voice; we must speak for them.' Arlene also raised concerns about the rising risks linked to technology. 'Online grooming and sextortion are serious threats. Children are being coerced into sending explicit photos and then blackmailed. It's a massive crisis.' Both organisations emphasised that Child Protection Week is not a once-off campaign but a reminder of work that continues year-round. ALSO READ: Edenvale police focus on child safety during Youth Month The event on May 29 also celebrated the stakeholders who have helped the organisation make a difference, including the Primrose SAPS. They received a champion award. 'The first time I worked with them was with a Grade One child I came into contact with. They assisted me with all the legal matters around working with children because it's not that we are uneducated at the police station, but there's a lot of information we don't have,' explained a Primrose SAPS representative. 'They've assisted me many times, and I've assisted them many times as well. If they have a query about a child, we do welfare checks. I've done welfare checks outside my area. 'The biggest challenge we face is widespread child abuse, often in poverty-bound households where frustrated parents take it out on their children or, in some cases, sell them for sex,' they added. Hollhumer stressed the importance of collaboration beyond the evening's dialogue. She said the organisation is big on networking and calls on other NPOs and groups doing similar work to join them. While the unit has made great strides in securing legal support for children in crisis, they are now expanding their focus. 'We've worked incredibly hard to secure assistance from legal teams. We're now focusing on medical and mental health support. If there are counsellors or psychologists who want to assist, we would greatly appreciate it.' The event at the Italian Club was made possible by many sponsors, including Efficient Engineering. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store