/ 26 October 2007

Family ‘beat girl to death’ for overnight stay

A 16-year-old girl was murdered by her family for staying overnight with her boyfriend, Mpumalanga police said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Abi Khoabane said the girl from Mayflower in Ermelo spent the night with her boyfriend and when she returned home she was attacked by her brother, mother and father.

Khoabane said the girl was beaten to death at her home.

”At first we thought only the brother was responsible but after further investigations we found out that the parents were also involved.

”The girl was severely beaten and had bruises all over her body. The three are being charged with murder,” he said.

The three were being held at the Elukwatini prison and would appear in the Mayflower magistrate’s court.

Police appealed to victims of domestic violence to come forward.

”We are really concerned after this violent death. People must speak out as there are relevant structures that can help victims of abuse,” said Khoabane. – Sapa