TODDLER RAPED, STABBED AND LEFT FOR DEAD

Suspect is a once-trusted family friend who often babysat

- ANITA NKONKI [e-mail]

A THREE-YEAR-OLD girl is in an induced coma, fighting for her life, after allegedly being raped, stabbed, and left for dead on a shack's roof in the Lion Park informal settlement in Diepsloot. The suspect, the mother's ex-boyfriend and a once-trusted family friend who often babysat the child, was reportedly caught by community members, while drinking with friends, and appeared unaware the child had survived and was fighting for her life in the hospital.

He allegedly confessed, claiming "the devil made him do it." A community member made the horrific discovery of Warona (not her real name) on the roof of the 28-year-old suspect's shack around 6pm on September 7.

The child had been under the care of her grandmother while her mother was at work when the man took her and two other children under the pretence of buying them sweets. When the other two children returned without Warona, neighbours alerted the grandmother.

The incident has left the community reeling and sparked urgent calls for justice.

Family members told the Saturday Star that medical reports confirmed the child had been sexually violated, stabbed in the neck, and left on the roof before the suspect fled.

"She was brought down from the roof and rushed to Diepsloot Clinic, but her injuries were too severe. She was referred to Yusuf Dadoo Hospital, then Leratong, and finally Baragwanath Hospital," a close relative explained. "She underwent extensive surgery on her genitals and neck before being placed in an induced coma." The family described the suspect as a trusted figure.