Uncle Accused Of Brutally Killing 5-Year-Old Niece Using Spade; Police Suspect Rape

A 43-year-old man in the South African province of Eastern Cape has been arrested after his 5-year-old niece was found brutally murdered at his home Saturday, authorities said.

On Saturday, at about 5:40 a.m. local time, police received a call from the suspect, the child's uncle, of a person being assaulted at his house on Pendu Street in Kwanonqubela, according to a statement from the South African Police Service's (SAPS) Office of the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner.

When they arrived at the residence, detectives found the brutally battered body of a 5-year-old girl, identified as Siphenathi Xhali, of Alexandria, lying on the lounge floor.

Police said the uncle was too drunk and incoherent to explain what happened.

The 5-year-old was found with multiple wounds on her body. Detectives suspected that she was attacked using a spade, which was later found in a neighbor's yard.

Police also suspected that the girl may have been raped. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine if she was raped, authorities said.

The child's mother had dropped her off at her father's house at 2 p.m. local time Friday, according to police. The father then left the girl at the neighbor's house, which was in the same area.

The child was taken from the neighbor's house during the early hours of Saturday, according to authorities.

The 43-year-old suspect, whose identity has yet to be revealed, is currently being held on a murder charge. He is set to appear in the Kenton-On-Sea Magistrate's Court early next week.

Depending on the results of the post-mortem, the uncle could receive an additional charge of rape.

Lt. Gen. Nomthetheleli Mene, Eastern Cape provincial commissioner, condemned the brutal killing of the child and gender-based violence.

"It is alarming that communities fail to protect our children. Many are killed by the people they know, love and trust. These people are cruel and heartless and must be dealt with decisively more, especially when it comes to women and children," Mene said in a statement.

The provincial commissioner continued, "Such tragedy is extremely disturbing especially when the country is commemorating 16 Days of No Violence against Women and Children. It is time that everyone unites to end this devastating social ill in our society."