A ray of hope has emerged in the heartbreaking Lion Park child assault case. The three-year-old victim, who had been in a coma after the brutal attack earlier this month, has been successfully woken up by doctors. Her recovery, though still fragile, has been described as “a miracle” by those close to the family.
News of the victim progress brought relief to the community that has been rallying behind her family. Katlego Makie Abigail Segole (KMA Segole), district leader of Hope In Every Community (HIEC), confirmed the development, saying: “She’s a fighter, that’s for sure. This update is a beacon of hope for the family and the community that through it all—good or bad—God will work this out for the best.”
Both the victim and her three-month-old sibling are currently hospitalized, which has placed an immense strain on the family. Community leaders have urged people to not only sign the petition demanding justice but also contribute to the BackaBuddy fundraising campaign to help cover daily hospital trips and other urgent expenses.
The accused, Mlungisi Dlodlo, a Zimbabwean national, remains in custody after appearing in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 12 September 2025. He did not apply for bail and will remain behind bars until his next hearing on 7 November 2025. During proceedings, the court instructed SAPS to compile all offenses linked to the accused and to fast-track pending bloodwork and DNA results. There are also ongoing efforts to confirm rumors of a prior murder case in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, which, if verified, will be escalated to Interpol.
Despite the horrific nature of the case, Segole expressed frustration at the lack of media coverage, public outrage, and financial support compared to other high-profile campaigns. “When there was a petition for bogus brothers, people signed in the thousands. When celebrities ask for donations, funds pour in. But with cases like this, coverage is minimal, signatures are few, and donations are scarce. These are the things we should be passionate about—standing behind them flat-footed and bare-chested—but we aren’t.”
While the victims progress offers a glimmer of hope, the fight for justice is far from over. Community leaders stress the importance of signing the petition, donating to support the family, and standing in solidarity as plans for a march are already underway to demand accountability and ensure justice is served