Ikageng residents demand justice after nine-year-old’s death

Staff Writer/Sat, 26 Sept 2026

Residents of Ikageng near Potchefstroom have taken to the streets demanding justice for nine-year-old Karabelo “Mmeke” Seripe, whose body was found in a field last week.

The child’s death has left the community shocked and fearful, with residents calling for urgent action to protect children and women.

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Mmeke reportedly went missing on Friday, 18 September, after leaving home to attend a feeding scheme.

She never returned.

As the family searched for her, her uncle, Tshokolo Seripe, appealed for help on Facebook.

Their worst fears were confirmed the following day when a resident found the child’s body in a field near Sarafina Sports Ground.

Residents allege that Mmeke was raped and murdered. Police, however, have not confirmed the rape allegation.

Community leader Lerato Seseng says the child’s death has shaken Ikageng.

“This hurts very much, especially the women. You no longer know how to dress, where you should go or walk, especially when you walk long distances to work. So safety is very important,” she said.

Seseng says parents are now living in fear.

“I now keep my daughters inside the house because I fear they could become victims,” she said.

The killing has once again placed the spotlight on gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared GBVF a national disaster in November 2025 during the G20 Social Summit in Ekurhuleni.

North West police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thuto Bobelo confirmed that a girl, estimated to be nine years old, was found dead near Sarafina Sports Ground on Saturday.

Bobelo says investigations are continuing and no arrest has been made.

Police have not confirmed whether the child was sexually assaulted.

News Junction