Civil Rights Organisation, Action Society, has approached the Public Protector, urging an immediate inquiry into the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) mishandling of the murder investigation into four-year-old Tamia "Mia" Botha.
Part of Action Society’s claim is that despite nearly three years passing, Mia’s family has received no justice, with the police failing to carry out even basic investigative procedures.
In an urgent letter to the Public Protector, the organisation demanded a thorough review of SAPS’s handling of the case, citing delays in processing forensic evidence and the lack of action on existing DNA matches.
The organisation is also calling for accountability for the police’s failure to communicate with the Botha family and for corrective measures to ensure that SAPS fulfils its constitutional and statutory duties.
Mia went missing on 25 September 2022 from a playground in Paarl East, close to her home.
Her body was discovered the following day on a nearby school field, with a plastic bag over her head and her mouth stuffed with plastic.
Despite over 900 days passing, the case remains unresolved, with no arrests made.
“The police’s blatant failure to conduct a basic investigation or keep the family updated is a gross violation of Mia’s family’s constitutional rights to justice, dignity, and equality,” said Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society.
“This tragic case exemplifies a systemic failure within SAPS regarding forensic backlogs and delayed justice, which Action Society believes warrants an immediate investigation by the Public Protector.
“Not only have the police failed Mia and her family, they have failed the entire community and the country,” added du Preez.
Action Society is also known for advocating for the establishment of a dedicated SAPS task force to address the mounting backlog of gender-based violence cases, which remain unresolved due to insufficient resources and attention.
In line with these calls, Action Society has expressed its willingness to assist SAPS in expediting forensic processes and solving cases more efficiently.
Kaylynn Palm who heads Action Society’s Western Cape Centre said upon visiting Mia’s mother recently they learnt that up until today there was no concrete feedback on Mia’s murder.
“Three years later, Udene is still extremely devastated by the loss of her little girl.
“We cannot allow this investigation to go cold and for Mia’s name to be forgotten. We will continue to put pressure on this case until we get Mia’s family the answers they have desperately been waiting for after all these years.”
Mia’s mom Udene begged authorities to follow up on her child's case.
“I feel I must get justice, so that my heart can get some rest. I cannot handle how this case is handled. Mia did not kill herself and stuff her body in a bag, someone did it and I want answers.
“I am depressed, I miss her, I am in so much pain, my heart is in so much pain, I don't know what is happening in the case, I don't know what is happening with the investigation, it's like she is just forgotten.
“To think there are people who forgot her, I can never forget her.”
Spokesperson for the Public Protector Khulu Phasiwe, confirmed they received the request.
“The Public Protector South Africa can confirm that it has received a complaint from Action Society, and that the matter was being processed.”
Weekend Argus