The community of Durban Deep, Johannesburg, is reeling from shock and anger following the gruesome murder of 14-year-old Likhona Fose. The tragedy unfolded when her dismembered body parts were discovered, leading to the arrest of a second suspect—a Pakistani national who was living in South Africa illegally and operating a local shop.
Police acted on a tip, leading them to the man's spaza shop where they found disturbing evidence: Likhona's genitals, parts of her knees, and a piece of her nose, all hidden in a refrigerator at the back of the store. This horrific discovery came after days of intense public outrage, following the initial finding of some of Likhona's remains scattered near the area last week. Investigators now believe this was a ritualistic murder.
The suspected involvement of traditional healing elements in the crime has been strongly condemned by Percy Tau, Chairman of Sangoma Practitioners in the Eastern Cape. He firmly stated that "No true sangoma would condone such an act—this is pure criminality," distancing legitimate traditional healers from such barbaric acts.
The Pakistani suspect, whose name has not yet been released, is thought to be part of a larger criminal network. Police are looking into the possibility that human trafficking or the trade of body parts could be connected to Likhona's murder, in addition to confirming the suspect's illegal immigration status.
Outraged community members gathered outside the spaza shop, demanding justice for Likhona and calling for the closure of all illegal businesses in the area. One parent voiced the widespread fear, saying, "We are scared for our children. We want the government to act against undocumented foreigners running shops in our communities."
Gauteng police have confirmed that the suspect will face charges of murder, possession of human body parts, and violations of immigration laws when he appears in court later this week. Likhona’s devastated family is calling for the toughest possible sentence, with her aunt emphasizing, "No child deserves this... We want justice for Likhona, and we want this to stop happening to our children."
This heartbreaking case has ignited a national debate about illegal immigration, the safety of communities, and the critical need to protect children across the country.
