Action Society has sent an urgent letter to the Western Cape commissioner of police demanding an explanation as to why investigative and forensic neglect continues to plague four-year-old Tamia (Mia) Botha’s murder investigation. Despite various attempts to get proper feedback, Action Society and Mia’s family still haven’t received any feedback. Action Society moved to mobilise public support to demand justice for Mia as part of the organisation’s #SaveOurChildren campaign. “It is now the time to speak up for children and keep the SAPS accountable,” said Action Society’s Kaylynn Palm.
“We will not stop fighting for this little girl. Today, we launched a campaign to find justice for Mia. We call on everyone who would like to see justice for Mia and a safer environment for children in South Africa to participate and, in doing so, put direct pressure on SAPS to prioritise her case.”
Mia was found murdered in Nederburg, Paarl, on 26 September after the four-year-old went missing the previous day. Shortly after Mia’s body was found, Action Society received a mandate from her family to support and act as a watching brief to oversee the prosecution on behalf of the family. Shortly after her body was found, the police questioned two suspects, but to date, no arrests have been made, and the case seems to be cold.
According to Palm, the forensic results are still outstanding, nearly 18 months after little Mia was killed. “The findings of the forensic report could very well break the case wide open. DNA evidence can help to identify a suspect. For now, every day the investigation is delayed is a day a child murderer is walking around, free to attack another toddler. It is unacceptable.”
Action Society visited Mia’s heartbroken family at their home last week, and they expressed their frustration with the case. Mia’s mother, Udene, said it was a difficult Christmas in the Botha household, as their little girl always brought them lots of light and love. “We missed her, but she will always be in our hearts. It has been another year, and there is still no positive feedback or movement from SAPS regarding the investigation. They have failed us; all we ask is that they find who killed my little girl,” she said.
The public can participate in Action Society’s #JusticeForMia campaign here:
