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Murder detectives fly to Africa Murder detectives fly to Africa
(about 8 hours later)
Murder investigation detectives have flown to South Africa to find a man suspected of murdering a young girl in a house fire in Sussex five years ago.Murder investigation detectives have flown to South Africa to find a man suspected of murdering a young girl in a house fire in Sussex five years ago.
Six year old Dumo Sibanda died on 26 October 2004 after a house fire at her home in Banks Road, Crawley.Six year old Dumo Sibanda died on 26 October 2004 after a house fire at her home in Banks Road, Crawley.
Her family escaped but the little girl, who was found inside the house, died later in hospital.Her family escaped but the little girl, who was found inside the house, died later in hospital.
Sussex police are working with officers in Johannesburg to find George Champion Sithole, who is the prime suspect.Sussex police are working with officers in Johannesburg to find George Champion Sithole, who is the prime suspect.
The youngster, whose father tried to rescue her from the fire, had moved to Britain just a year before her death.The youngster, whose father tried to rescue her from the fire, had moved to Britain just a year before her death.
Investigations in both countries failed to locate Mr Sithole.Investigations in both countries failed to locate Mr Sithole.
Now Det Ch Insp Steve Johns and Det Insp Trevor Bates have travelled to South Africa following a review of the inquiry.Now Det Ch Insp Steve Johns and Det Insp Trevor Bates have travelled to South Africa following a review of the inquiry.
She was just six years of age at the time and her family, understandably, are still devastated by her untimely death. Det Ch Insp Steve Johns, Sussex PoliceShe was just six years of age at the time and her family, understandably, are still devastated by her untimely death. Det Ch Insp Steve Johns, Sussex Police
Det Ch Insp Johns said: "Despite the case now being over five years old, it has never closed and we are determined to bring the offender to justice for both Dumo and her family.Det Ch Insp Johns said: "Despite the case now being over five years old, it has never closed and we are determined to bring the offender to justice for both Dumo and her family.
"We are very keen to speak to Mr Sithole when we are in South Africa as we believe he could have vital information about this incident which will significantly assist us with our inquiries."We are very keen to speak to Mr Sithole when we are in South Africa as we believe he could have vital information about this incident which will significantly assist us with our inquiries.
"Despite repeated appeals at the time, he has not come forward and we have been unable to locate him."Despite repeated appeals at the time, he has not come forward and we have been unable to locate him.
"A little girl died in this fire. She was just six years of age at the time and her family, understandably, are still devastated by her untimely death."A little girl died in this fire. She was just six years of age at the time and her family, understandably, are still devastated by her untimely death.
"They need to have some closure to enable them to move on with their lives and I encourage anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.""They need to have some closure to enable them to move on with their lives and I encourage anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible."
Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police quoting Operation Scimitar. Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police quoting Operation Scimitar.