9-year-old girl allegedly raped and murdered in Ikageng

A 9-year-old child was allegedly raped and murdered in Ikageng, Potchefstroom, over the weekend.

According to the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, a missing person case was opened at Ikageng Police Station after the child was reported missing.

Police investigations subsequently led officers to a crime scene at Sarafina Sports Ground, where the child's body was discovered.

No arrests have been made at this stage.

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management Tsotso Tlhapi condemned the incident and described it as a "horrific and senseless act of violence" against a vulnerable child.

Tlhapi conveyed her condolences to the child's family and urged residents to provide police with any information that could assist in identifying and arresting those responsible.

"The police cannot fight crime alone. Someone may have seen or heard something that could assist the investigators. We appeal with communities to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrator," she said.

Tlhapi also called on the SAPS to use all available investigative resources to apprehend those responsible.

"We have confidence in our law enforcement agencies and we urge them to use all available resources and investigative material at their disposal to ensure that the perpetrator is brought to book. Justice must be served for this child so that at least the family could find closure," she said.

Police investigations are continuing.