Key Points
- Action Society has urged the Public Protector to investigate the police’s handling of Mia Botha’s murder.
- The organization claims that delays in forensic processes have stalled the investigation.
- Mia’s mother pleads for justice and demands answers after three years of waiting.
Public Protector urged to probe SAPS handling of Mia Botha’s case
Action Society, a civil rights organization, has called on the Public Protector to launch an inquiry into the South African Police Service’s. They will be handling the murder investigation of 4-year-old Tamia “Mia” Botha.
Nearly three years after Mia’s death, her family is still waiting for justice. Action Society claims police have failed to conduct even basic investigative procedures, leaving the case unresolved.
In a formal letter to the Public Protector, the organization demanded a review of the police’s handling of the case. They cited delays in forensic evidence processing and inaction on existing DNA matches. It also called for accountability regarding the police’s failure to communicate with Mia’s family. They urged corrective measures to ensure SAPS meets its constitutional and legal obligations.
Mia’s Disappearance
Mia disappeared on Sept. 25, 2022, from a playground near her home in Paarl East. The following day, her body was found on a school field with a plastic bag over her head and her mouth stuffed with plastic. More than 900 days later, no arrests have been made.
“The police’s blatant failure to conduct a proper investigation or keep the family informed is a violation of Mia’s family’s constitutional rights to justice, dignity, and equality,” said Action Society spokesperson Juanita du Preez.
She described the case as a tragic example of systemic failures within SAPS, particularly regarding forensic backlogs and delays in justice.
“Not only have the police failed Mia and her family, they have failed the entire community and the country,” du Preez said.
Action Society has been advocating for a dedicated SAPS task force to address the growing backlog of unresolved gender-based violence cases. The organization has also expressed willingness to assist SAPS in expediting forensic processes to improve case resolution rates.
Kaylynn Palm, head of Action Society’s Western Cape Centre, said a recent visit with Mia’s mother, Udene Botha, revealed the family has received no meaningful updates.
“Three years later, Udene is still devastated by the loss of her little girl,” Palm said. “We cannot allow this case to go cold or for Mia’s name to be forgotten. We will continue applying pressure until her family gets the answers they have waited years for.”
Udene Botha pleaded with authorities to prioritize the case.
Mia’s Mother Plea
“I need justice so my heart can finally rest,” she said. “Mia didn’t kill herself and stuff her body in a bag—someone did this, and I want answers.
“I am in so much pain. I don’t know what’s happening with the case or the investigation. It’s like she has been forgotten. But I can never forget her.”
Public Protector spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe confirmed receipt of Action Society’s complaint.
“The Public Protector South Africa can confirm it has received a complaint from Action Society, and the matter is being processed,” Phasiwe said.
