
Lukhona Fose's family says community last saw her with friends on day she vanished
JOHANNESBURG - The family of a slain teenage girl from Roodepoort, Johannesburg, Lukhona Fose, says community members last saw her walking with a group of friends the day she vanished.
Her family reported her missing to the police when she didn't return home on that day.
Lukhona's body was later discovered in a veld a day later, brutally mutilated.
Her uncle, Mthobeli Fose, says she was found naked from the waist down, with cuts on both her lower and upper body.
ALSO READ: Police probing murder case after missing teen girl's body found in Roodepoort veld
He says two boys have approached the family, saying they can identify the group of friends she was last seen with.
"Police have gone out to search for her group of friends she was last seen with, with the help of the two boys. We are still waiting to hear what happened. They have not gotten back to us yet. We want to know from her friends what really happened and when they separated from each other."
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Education Department is providing counselling and trauma support to learners and teachers at Ikusasalethu Secondary School in Braamfischerville, Johannesburg.
Fourteen-year-old Fose, a Grade 8 learner from the school, was reported missing over the weekend.
Spokesperson Steve Mabona says the incident is devastating, especially during Child Protection Week.
"The Department stands with the nation in the condemnation of this barbaric incident. The MEC has indicated that the young girl learner who had a bright future in her life is now finished because of brutal activity that occurred in the hands of people that we don't know."
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The Citizen
3 hours ago
- 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!


The Citizen
13 hours ago
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Likhona Fose suspect arrested
Here's your daily news update for Tuesday, 10 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, police have confirmed that a suspect linked to the murder of 14-year-old Likhona Fose has been arrested. Meanwhile, City Power has issued an urgent appeal to Johannesburg residents and businesses to reduce electricity consumption as freezing temperatures sweep across Gauteng. Furthermore, more snow forecast this week, although temperatures are expected to start recovering to normal winter lows from Thursday afternoon. Weather tomorrow: 11 June 2025 The weather service predicts that cold weather will continue to grip most of South Africa tomorrow. Damaging waves are expected in the Eastern Cape, while damaging winds and waves could impact navigation at sea in KwaZulu-Natal. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Suspect arrested in Likhona Fose murder Police have confirmed that a suspect linked to the murder of 14-year-old Likhona Fose has been arrested. The Grade 8 pupil at Ikusasalethu Secondary School in Braamfischerville, Johannesburg, was found dead with her body mutilated in an empty field on Sunday, 1 June. Lukhona Fose. Picture: Supplied Fose's family believes her murder was a homophobic hate crime because the teen identified as lesbian. 'One person was taken in for questioning on Monday, 9 June 2025. He was then linked to the murder and charged accordingly,' said Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo. CONTINUE READING: Suspect arrested in Likhona Fose murder City Power warns Johannesburg residents as cold weather sees spike in outages City Power has issued an urgent appeal to Johannesburg residents and businesses to reduce electricity consumption as freezing temperatures sweep across Gauteng, threatening to overwhelm the city's power infrastructure and trigger widespread outages. The utility company warned on Monday that excessive electricity usage during the current cold snap could cause localised network overloading, particularly in areas where infrastructure is already under strain. Checking the electricity power meter with a candle in cold winter days while there is a power outage. Picture: iStock With the South African Weather Service (Saws) forecasting temperatures to remain between 3 °C and 13°C throughout the week, and some areas expected to drop below freezing, City Power anticipates sustained pressure on the grid. CONTINUE READING: City Power warns Johannesburg residents as cold weather sees spike in outages More snow and biting cold ahead this week The first of many more cut-off low-system cold fronts that will come this winter season hit at the weekend. Significant snowfall was reported over parts of the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape, with mountain passes closed as more snow is expected. Picture: iStock The cold temperatures will also continue, following the first two cold fronts of the season that made landfall over the country this weekend. South African Weather Service senior forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said temperatures were expected to start recovering to normal winter temperatures from Thursday afternoon as the cold front passes. CONTINUE READING: More snow and biting cold ahead this week KZN pensioner killed and daughter left with a slit throat in attack A pensioner in her eighties has been murdered and her 60-year-old daughter critically injured after a brutal attack at their Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, home. The pensioner sustained multiple stab wounds to her face and body and was pronounced dead upon examination. Picture: iStock The 60-year-old daughter's throat was slit and she sustained stab wounds to her cheeks, neck and hands; said Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA). She reportedly bled extensively from these injuries, but the paramedics were able to stabilise her on scene. She has been transported to hospital. CONTINUE READING: KZN pensioner killed and daughter left with a slit throat in attack Spar South Africa CEO resigns amid financial challenges to lead McDonald's Spar South Africa CEO Max Oliva has resigned from the group, just days after the retailer announced a decline in profits and a R4 billion loss. The retailer said Oliva resigned after 30 years at Spar on Tuesday. Max Oliva resigns as Spar South Africa CEO to lead McDonald's South Africa. Picture: Supplied 'It has been an honour to serve Spar for the past three decades. While this was not an easy decision, I am confident that the business is in capable hands. Angelo has my full support, and I am excited to see how the team continues to build on the momentum we've created,' he said. The retailer said Spar Group chief executive officer, Angelo Swartz, will replace Oliva. CONTINUE READING: Spar South Africa CEO resigns amid financial challenges to lead McDonald's Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Brakpan teen's family heartbroken | Senzo Meyiwa judge apologises | Missing Comrades runner found


Daily Maverick
19 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Protecting our children: A call to honour our commitment to future generations
In May each year, South Africa pauses to reflect on one of its most urgent responsibilities: protecting its children. While many countries mark a day or a week focused on children's rights, South Africa is among the few with a dedicated Child Protection Month — a national effort that signals deep political and moral commitment. That commitment is rooted in the legacy of former president Nelson Mandela, whose words continue to echo: 'There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.' The 16th of June 2025, commemorated as Youth Day in this country, and the Day of the African Child continentally, will mark 30 years since South Africa ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Adopted in 1989, the convention is the most ratified human rights treaty in the world and was the first international human rights treaty ratified by South Africa under its new democratic government. And yet, despite this legacy, thousands of children in South Africa continue to face violence, exploitation and neglect. Child Protection Month is not simply a calendar event — it is a national moment to ask whether we are living up to the promise made to the children of this country. The numbers tell a grim story According to the Child Series Volume III Reported Crime Against Children by Statistics South Africa, that promise remains unfulfilled, with rape, assault and child abuse routinely high in the list of crimes reported against children. In the 2022/23 period alone, 64,533 children were victims of crime in South Africa, and each day three children are killed, 28 children are violently attacked, and 58 children are sexually violated. While the president has rightfully declared gender-based violence a pandemic, it is worth noting that child victims account for nearly 40% of the more than 21,000 sexual offences reported in South Africa in 2022/23. This is a staggering proportion, considering that children make up just over a third of the population. Given the high levels of violence against children in South Africa, it is unsurprising that this same violence resurfaces a generation later as the legacy of trauma perpetuates more harm. Both global and national data tell us that girls exposed to violence are more likely to be victims of inter-personal violence, and similarly, boys exposed to violence are more likely to become perpetuators of violence. Child Protection Week is an opportunity to amplify calls for this cycle of violence to stop. Government has responded but systemic barriers persist In recent months the government, led by the departments of Social Development and Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, has escalated its response by establishing a dedicated gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) Priority Committee within the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints). Through a 90-day acceleration programme to address GBVF, national departments have committed to fast-track the implementation of prevention and response services across all nine provinces. The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) views this as a critical step in the right direction. But as the statistics show, these strong commitments need to translate into sustained, systemic change that lasts well beyond the allotted 90 days. Knowing how much is actually spent on preventing and responding to violence against children is a persistent issue, as budgeting for child protection is scattered across departments and seldom tracked. Moreover, at district and municipal levels — where services are closest to families — violence prevention is still not prioritised in integrated development plans. On the ground, many social workers are overstretched and tasked with statutory child removal cases, with little capacity for preventive or restorative interventions. Crucially, children themselves remain excluded from decision-making processes that directly affect their safety and dignity. From crisis to commitment To achieve the promise of safety and care for every child, Unicef proposes three urgent policy actions: Establish a dedicated public budget line for violence prevention across national and provincial departments, with regular public reporting on expenditure specific to children. Mandate the integration of child protection as a priority — including violence prevention — into district and municipal integrated development plans, with performance targets and ringfenced funding. Institutionalise child participation in policy development, programme design, and monitoring — in particular within the National Strategic Plan for GBVF — to ensure that children's realities and voices shape the systems meant to protect them. We know that violence against children is both preventable and necessary for the fostering of a healthy, happy society. Effective prevention requires moving beyond short-term responses to a focus on innovation, stronger coordination and meaningful systemic change. If South Africa is to fully honour its commitment to children — as enshrined in its globally admired Constitution and in the vision of a post-apartheid, democratic society — then we must go beyond the talk. Child Protection Month must leave a tangible legacy – a shift from crisis response to systemic prevention, lives safeguarded, futures restored and children truly heard. DM