Photos: 9yr girl raped and strangled to death on her way to school

Ntirisano Othane Shivamba, 9, was on her way to school near Lenyenye outside Tzaneen, South Africa, last Friday morning, with three friends when a naked man accosted them. He abducted, raped and strangled her befor burying her in a shallow grave.

The children tried to escape by running away, but the man pursued them, grabbed Ntirisano and pulled her into some thick bushes. 

According to the spokesperson of Ntirisano’s family, Steven Shivamba, the rapist undressed the child, slit her genitals and repeatedly raped her near the village’s graveyard, whereafter he strangled her to death.

"The three children who escaped ran to school and reported the matter to their teachers. When the teachers arrived at the scene, the man was burying Ntirisano’s body," Shivamba said.

Shivamba further said the teachers made a citizen’s arrest and handed the man over to the police at the Maake police station. Ntirisano’s mother, Jamela Shivamba, (pictured) said the excruciating pain of losing a child this way was unbearable.

"All I can say is my daughter did not deserve this," she said.

School Principal, Paulette Shikhati, described Ntirisano as a God-fearing child, obedient, energetic and good with her schoolwork.

"Ntirisano would not hurt a fly. She was a friendly child who related well with her class and school friends."

Tzaneen cluster police Spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe said the suspect was charged with rape and murder. He appeared before the Maake Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 8, where he was denied bail. He was remanded in custody and will appear again next Monday.

Capricon Voice(SA)