The body of three-year-old Katleho Joy Leeuw, who was reported missing from Glen Location in Bloemfontein on Thursday, 23 October 2025, has been found. Police have confirmed that she was raped and murdered, and a murder investigation is now underway.

Bloemfontein Missing Child Found Dead After Days of Searching

Katleho disappeared while playing with other children in the backyard of her home on Thursday afternoon. Her mother, Vuyiswa Joyce Leeuw, reported her missing when she failed to return home.

A police search team led by Captain Jerry Motaung from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) discovered her body early Saturday morning in dense bushes a short distance from Glen Location.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane said early evidence indicates Katleho was raped before she was killed. Forensic teams are still at the scene collecting evidence.

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Police Confirm Katleho Leeuw Murder Investigation in Glen Location

Lieutenant Colonel Covane said the discovery followed hours of coordinated searching by various police divisions and community volunteers. “The investigation is at a sensitive stage, and we are analyzing all available information,” he stated.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in or around Glen Location between Thursday and Saturday morning to contact the police immediately. The murder of a child in such a quiet area has raised serious safety concerns among residents.

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Family and Community Devastated After Katleho’s Body Found

News of the discovery has left the Glen community heartbroken. Neighbours who joined the search said they had prayed for her safe return. One woman, close to the family, said, “We can’t believe this happened to a small child. We just want justice.”

Family members are receiving support from police trauma counsellors. Messages of sorrow and outrage continue to spread across social media under hashtags #JusticeForKatleho and #RIPKatlehoLeeuw.

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Public Demands Justice After Brutal Murder of 3-Year-Old Katleho Leeuw in Glen Location

The discovery has triggered a wave of public anger online, with many South Africans demanding stronger laws to protect children. Local organizations have pledged to hold a candlelight vigil in memory of Katleho and other children lost to violence.

Community leaders say the case highlights a pattern of violence against children in the Free State, calling for immediate action from authorities to improve safety and speed up investigations.

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What Happens Next in the Katleho Leeuw Case

Police have opened a murder case at Glen Police Station and are working with forensic specialists to gather DNA, fingerprints, and other physical evidence.

Anyone with information that might help the investigation is urged to contact Sergeant Lebogang Dikgacoi at 083 585 1951 or 051 407 3600, or to report anonymously via the #MySAPSApp or CrimeStop 08600 10111.