Kariega family shattered after murder of eight-year-old girl

A 27-year-old suspect is due in court on Wednesday, 8 October, after a young girl was found murdered in a house in Langa, Kariega, on Monday.

When the family of eight-year-old Veronique “Koekoe” May was summoned to a house in De Booi Street, they still hoped for good news.

But on arrival, when they saw police officers close off the yard with yellow crime scene tape, their hearts sank. They knew they would never see little “Koekoe” alive again.

The family reported Veronique missing on Sunday, after neighbours saw her walking down the street with a family friend. A frantic search began, and when the man was seen later that day, community members assaulted him.

The police were called and removed the 27-year-old for his own safety, but arrested him the following day for the murder of Veronique.

Her body was found on a bloody mattress inside a house on De Booi Street.

Community members believe the girl was raped before she was killed, but the police said the full extent of her injuries would only be determined once the postmortem was complete.

Speaking outside her home, two blocks away from where her daughter was killed, Destiny May (32) was distraught.

“My child loved to play with her friends. She loved her schoolwork. She would not hurt a fly, and everyone loved her. How could anyone do this to her?” she sobbed.

May lives a block away from her mother, Margaret, and Veronique lived between the two homes, spending most nights with her grandmother.

On Sunday, the family met at Margaret’s home, and the last time her mother saw her, Veronique was playing outside with her cousins and friends.

A family member came to the house to ask where the girl was after a neighbour said he had seen her walking up the street with a family friend.

Destiny and Margaret rushed outside, along with other family members, and started a frantic search for the eight-year-old.

Shortly afterwards, community members found the man who had been seen walking with Veronique and assaulted him.

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg confirmed that Veronique was reported missing at about 5pm on Sunday.

“Information was obtained to determine whom Veronique May (8) was last seen with on Sunday evening. [Police officers] found the man, and for his own safety from the community, he was taken to the police station.”

Janse van Rensburg said that after being questioned by the police, on the following day, the suspect took the investigating officer to a house in De Booi Street, where they found Veronique’s body.

“The suspect was arrested on a charge of murder and will appear in the Kariega Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday,” said Janse van Rensburg.

More charges could be added to the case as the investigation continues.

On Tuesday morning, there was no response to knocks on the door at the house in De Booi Street.

Leaning against a wall at the back of the house was a mattress with a red stain, presumably blood, and in a nearby bin, there was a pillow with similar stains.

When asked if the suspect was known to them, Destiny became visibly angry.

“I know him. We grew up together, and he knows our family. That must be why Veronique left with him. She knew him and she trusted him,” she said.

Child murders

Veronique was one of thousands of children in South Africa who fall prey to violent crime.

According to police statistics for July 2024 to March 2025, 1,100 children were murdered, while about 1,181 children were victims of attempted murder, and 6,209 were seriously assaulted

Read more: SA’s alarming child violence rates demand collaboration between government and NGOs

During the last few months in Nelson Mandela Bay, several children have been murdered.

Seven teenagers are due to appear in court on Wednesday, October 8, in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Micah Klaasen in Fairview at the weekend.

Read more: Seven teenagers hand themselves in over murder of 16-year-old Nelson Mandela Bay boy

In July, the burnt remains of Michelle Ambraal (12) were found in an open field, less than a block from her family home in Bethelsdorp.

Read more: Fourth schoolgirl found murdered in Nelson Mandela Bay

The previous month, the burnt bodies of Ibanathi Peter (17) and Sinothando Malinga (19) were found in KwaNobuhle, Kariega.

Nine days before that, the body of Lithaliyanda Ntoni (12) was found in bushes near Khabonqaba Street, Motherwell.

Read more: Nelson Mandela Bay ends Youth Month in crisis after three learners murdered

‘A bright girl’

At the May residence, Veronique’s Grade 2 teacher, Christina Young, said she had developed a deep love for the little girl in the few months she had spent in her class.

“She was a bright girl. She was loved by her classmates, and I could tell she really loved school. I honestly cannot think of a single bad thing to say about that little girl.”

The principal of James Ndulula Primary School, Thundazwa Banzi, said they had high hopes for Veronique, who was among the top 10 pupils in Grade 2.

The school governing body chair, Malibongwe Douw, said they would engage with the education department for social workers to assist learners and teachers with trauma counselling when the school reopened after the holidays.

“We will also ask the social workers to provide educational programmes for our learners to identify possible threats to their safety and how to avoid falling victim to violent crimes.

“This is a terrible thing that has happened. It has devastated our community. We want to raise awareness among our children so that they can spot danger and hopefully protect themselves,” said Douw. DM