Residents of the Lion Park informal settlement in Diepsloot have expressed outrage over continued delays in the case of three-year-old Warona, who was brutally stabbed and sexually assaulted several months ago.
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Residents of the Lion Park informal settlement in Diepsloot have expressed outrage over continued delays in the case of a three-year-old girl who was brutally stabbed and sexually assaulted a few months ago.
The child, identified as Warona, remains in the hospital recovering from her injuries.
Her alleged attacker, Mlungisi Ndlondlo, appeared for the second time in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court last week.
However, the matter was once again postponed, this time to December 11, due to missing statements and outstanding documentation.
Police have previously confirmed that Ndlondlo is facing charges of rape, attempted murder and Contravention of Immigration Act.
Family members say they are losing patience with the slow pace of the investigation and court process. They have also vowed to stage a protest during the next court appearance to draw attention to what they believe is a failure of justice.
“The magistrate asked when the outstanding statements would be obtained,” a relative who attended the hearing told the Saturday Star.
“The prosecutor replied that the detective had promised to secure them before court today. When asked why this hadn’t happened, the prosecutor said the detective claimed to be unsure whether the child could give a statement.”
The family added that the magistrate appeared visibly frustrated when informed that key documents, including the child’s psychological assessment, hospital records, and social worker reports, were still missing.
“She asked what the detective had been doing for the past two months and instructed that the station commander be contacted,” the family member said.
Warona’s mother said the delays have left her fearing for her child’s safety.
“I am not happy about what happened in court. It feels like the police are failing me. They are not collecting evidence on time. I fear this man will be released and we won’t be safe. If he is jailed, I know we can feel safe, but right now I am frustrated.”
Civil society organisations have also condemned the handling of the case.
Katlego Segole, district leader of Hope in Every Community (HIEC), described the delays as “a clear injustice”.
“We are outraged at the lack of care being shown in this and many similar cases. Warona is a brave, strong little girl who survived something most adults would not. Not fighting for her would be a failure on our part.”
HIEC has called for urgent reforms in how cases involving child victims are investigated and prosecuted.
The Teddy Bear Foundation had also raised alarm over what it says is a rising number of child abuse cases surfacing daily.
“The prevalence is very alarming,” said Shahid Omar, of the Foundation. “On the other hand, it is reassuring that more cases are being reported and communities are more vigilant. People are taking action to ensure perpetrators are brought to book.”
Omar stressed that communities must remain active in protecting children.
“Each child has the right to be safe, and every individual has a responsibility to protect them. We cannot bury our heads in the sand.”
When asked about the family’s allegations of delays and missing evidence, police did not address those concerns. Instead, Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the arrest, saying Ndlondlo was apprehended by private security officers on September 9, facing several charges.
“The case was postponed to December 11, while investigations continue,” he said.
As the case drags on, Diepsloot residents say they will continue fighting to ensure justice for Warona and protection for other vulnerable children.
Saturday Star