The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Mpumalanga says it is hopeful that the police investigation will assist in finding the killers of Hillary Gardee – the daughter of former EFF secretary-general Godrich Gardee.
Hillary was last seen on Friday shopping at a plaza in Mbombela.
EFF leader in Mpumalanga, Collen Sedibe says Hillary’s body was discovered by farm workers on the R37 road between Mbombela and Mashishing.
Sedibe says the police informed Gardee’s brother who also rushed to the scene where her body was found.
EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo says, “The three-year-old was saying mommy is fighting, so we got the impression that she had been taken against her will. Sadly, at nine o’clock this [Tuesday] morning, her lifeless body was found 60 kilometres outside Nelspruit.”
“Unfortunately, this chapter has ended in a tragic manner. We send our deepest condolences to the Gardee family, and we also want to thank the ordinary people, who banded [reunited] behind the calls of trying to find her,” adds Thambo.
Below is the full interview with Sinawo Thambo:
Meanwhile, politicians and ordinary South Africans took to Twitter to send their condolences to the Gardee family.
I was praying she’d be found safe and sound. This is heart-breaking. I pray for God’s healing over the Gardee family
— LilSisLonz (@Lilsislondz) May 3, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gardee family. We pray that you may find comfort during this difficult time. Losing a child in this manner must be most devastating. May she Rest In Peace. And may justice be served swiftly. The war against women continues to rage on in SA. https://t.co/uqTVRXtvOg
— Siviwe Gwarube (@Siviwe_G) May 3, 2022
I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Gardee family and to @GardeeGodrich.
This is a devastating development. May the soul of #HilaryGardee Rest In Peace. I will be keeping the Gardee family in my prayers. pic.twitter.com/9xsa595BQx
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) May 3, 2022
Condolences to the Gardee family on the loss of such a young soul
. I hope the law enforcement agencies gets to the bottom of this murder case. pic.twitter.com/BKdbrJLfoM
— Mzwandile Masina (@mzwandileMasina) May 3, 2022
My deepest condolences to the Gardee family, it with heavy heart to learn of the passing of Hillary Gardee. We all were hoping & praying for her safe return. I’m truly sorry for your loss, you’re in my thoughts & prayers
#JusticeForHillaryGardee#RestInPeaceHillaryGardee pic.twitter.com/eBMrNzhdrw
— Thulani Ndaba (@tndaba) May 3, 2022