KwaZulu-Natal police have launched a manhunt for suspects linked to the tragic killing of an 11-year-old girl in Malvern on Wednesday night.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, police in Malvern are investigating cases of murder and car-jacking.
“This follows an incident in which a 11-year-old girl was run over by a vehicle which was being hijacked at a parking lot of a fast food outlet in Malvern.
“The victim was conveyed to a nearby hospital for medical attention where she was declared dead on arrival.”
The child has been identified as Zarah Ramsamy.
According to an incident report, the hijacking took place at a fast food outlet on Main Road in Malvern at around 8.30pm.
It is alleged the woman parked her vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner, and went into the restaurant, leaving her two children in the car.
It is further alleged that while she was standing at the entrance of the fast food outlet, a silver vehicle drove into the parking lot.
Four armed men allegedly got out of the car.
One armed suspect went to the Toyota Fortuner while three armed men approached her demanding the car keys.
It is further alleged the two children saw what was happening, and the girl got out of the vehicle and hid underneath, while her sibling ran away.
It is alleged that the suspects got the keys, and while fleeing, ran over the child.
Messages of condolences have been streaming in for the girl and her family.
Pastor Vernon Jacob from Embassy Church where the family were members, expressed his deepest condolences to Zarah’s parents, Barnes and Shaida and the rest of the family.
“Their loss is deeply felt in our spirit, as Zarah was a bubbly personality and won the hearts of many within our church community.
“Last night was one of the most difficult nights in my pastoring. I had to break the news of the tragic death of her daughter to Shaida. She is shattered, since both mother and daughter shared an exceptionally close bond.”
Jacob said they remained supportive to this family in prayer.
“We are committed to helping them get through this horrendous chapter of their life.”
He said funeral arrangements would be announced at a later stage.
IOL News