The Ramanyimi family of Tshilungoma outside Thohoyandou, who recently lost their beloved first-born child at the hands of alleged ritual killers, said the visit on Friday by officials of government has revived their hope that the perpetrators will soon be arrested.

The family, whose nine-year-old daughter Mutshidzi Ramanyimi was found at a nearby rivulet after being missing for almost a week, were visited by the executive mayor of Vhembe, Cllr Lucas Manyuha, Thulamela Mayor Cllr Grace Mahosi and other officials of the municipalities and councillors on Thursday. They were in the company of Vhembe House of Traditional Leaders executive member Thovhele Mafharalala Netsianda.

Representing the family, Pastor Fulufhedzani Netshitavhe narrated how the child went missing while playing with others and how she was finally found murdered in a nearby rivulet. “The mysterious death of our child saddened us and left us with many questions unanswered. Police are adding to our pain by not communicating with us,” he said. “Names have been mentioned, but what we hear is that three people were questioned but not arrested.”

To add insult to injury, the family has no case number so far and they do not know what is happening with the case.

Responding to the family’s plea, Cllr Lucas Manyuha urged the community to be involved in the fight against crime, saying the police alone would not be able to solve the case. “We are here as government to come and be with you in these difficult times. We will always be with you. We will support you and we are here to mourn with you. We will be with you till you bury your loved one,” he said.

Mayor Grace Mahosi said it was becoming worrying that most of the victims of violent crimes turned out to be women. “We gave birth to men and now they are killing us. Where should we go and live? What is happening, and which demon is working here?” she said.

“We are now promising here that we will take your concerns to our seniors, so that this case is thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators be brought to book as a matter of urgency,” she said.

Representing Sanco Vhembe, Mr Thiathu Ravhura said they were concerned that people were being killed senselessly. “We are calling upon state organs to arrest all those who are involved in this child’s murder, and we will once again go out there and protest against the granting of bail to whoever is arrested in connection with the case,” he said.