Police – A community is reeling and a family is devastated after the mutilated body of 14-year-old Likhona Fosa was discovered in an open veld in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg. Police have launched a full-scale murder investigation, describing the incident as both brutal and deeply disturbing.
Fosa had been reported missing over the weekend, and her remains were found by a passerby on Sunday afternoon. According to a police spokesperson, the girl’s body showed signs of severe mutilation and was discovered hidden under shrubs in an undeveloped field.
Police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhulwi confirmed that an investigation is underway and that efforts are being intensified to identify and apprehend the person or people responsible for this horrific crime.
“The mutilated body was found lying under the shrubs by a passerby, who then alerted the police,” said Nevhulwi. “Resources have been mobilised to ensure the culprits responsible for this heinous attack are behind bars and brought to book.”
The circumstances surrounding the teenager’s disappearance and death remain unclear. Authorities are urging anyone with information that could lead to arrests to come forward.
“We are calling on members of the public to assist police with any details, no matter how small. Your information could be the key to solving this crime and delivering justice for Likhona,” Nevhulwi added.
Community in Shock as Police Continue Investigation
The discovery of Likhona’s body has sent shockwaves through the local Roodepoort community. Residents are demanding answers and greater police visibility in open spaces and informal areas where vulnerable individuals are often left exposed to criminal activity.
Local community leader, Thandi Mokoena, described the crime as “barbaric” and called for swift action from the justice system. “We want the police to act fast. We want to see arrests and prosecutions. This child was our daughter, our sister. Her life mattered,” she said.
Several community members gathered near the crime scene on Monday, some laying flowers and candles in remembrance. Others offered their support to the grieving family, whose pain has been compounded by the violent nature of Likhona’s death.
In response to public outcry and the severity of the crime, police have reportedly increased patrols in the area. Special investigative teams have also been assigned to the case to explore every possible lead.
“We are deploying all necessary resources, including forensic specialists and detectives, to make sure this investigation is thorough and fast-tracked,” Nevhulwi said.
While police have not confirmed any suspects at this stage, they have not ruled out the possibility that the attack may have been premeditated or involved multiple individuals.
The open veld where the body was found is known to be poorly lit and seldom patrolled, raising broader questions about public safety in Johannesburg’s western suburbs. Community groups are now pushing for improved infrastructure, surveillance, and regular police presence.
Likhona’s murder has once again drawn national attention to the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. Despite continued awareness campaigns and government commitments, cases of violence against women and children remain alarmingly high.
Advocates are calling for systemic change, including better support systems for victims’ families, increased funding for police investigative units, and stricter penalties for violent offenders.
“This is not just a crime scene—it’s a mirror of a society that continues to fail its most vulnerable,” said social activist Lerato Mthembu. “We want more than condolences. We want concrete action from the police, the courts, and every branch of government.”
As the search for Likhona Fosa’s killer intensifies, officers are appealing for the public’s help. Investigators have set up a dedicated tip-off line and are treating all information received with strict confidentiality.
“If you saw anything unusual over the weekend, or know someone who may have been in the area at the time, please come forward,” said Nevhulwi. “Justice for Likhona depends on the community and police working together.”
The body of Likhona Fosa has been taken for a full forensic examination, which police say may provide further insights into the events leading up to her death.
As the police continue their investigation into the tragic murder of Likhona Fosa, South Africans are once again grappling with the harsh realities of gender-based violence and public safety failures. While arrests have not yet been made, authorities have pledged to leave no stone unturned in their quest for justice.
Source- EWN
