A 27-year-old man was detained in Mpumalanga, South Africa, for the suspected rape and murder of an 11-year-old child.
The girl’s body was discovered on a farm near Hendrina on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Mpumalanga police acting commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, who confirmed the arrest on Sunday, September 9, praised detectives from Hendrina and Breyton police stations for tracking down the culprit.
“The swift action taken by the detectives is a commendable example of teamwork and diligence in the pursuit of justice,” he said.
“It is through such collaborative efforts that the police can ensure the safety and security of communities and hold those who commit heinous acts accountable for their crimes.”
Police claimed the suspect m8rdered a guy in February and was out on R5,000 bond when he allegedly committed the latest crime.
He is scheduled to appear in court soon.
Earlier, the provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, stated that the suspect fled the scene after allegedly k!lling the girl.
“According to a report, the girl’s mother was in search of her daughter but without any success, hence she reported her disappearance to the police. During the reporting, the woman informed the police that she suspects that her sister’s male companion could know something about her daughter’s sudden disappearance. She further explained that before her child went missing, the girl was last seen with the man in question,” Mdhuli said.
Police immediately proceeded to the man’s farm to investigate and find him, but he had already departed.
“The astute members somehow managed to get inside his shack. It was during this period when the men and women in blue noticed some blood stains inside the shack, then as they continued searching, about 100 metres away from the shack, they discovered the naked body of the child with some stab wounds. The little girl was unfortunately certified dead by the medical personnel at the scene. The preliminary investigation suggests that the girl could have been raped by the suspect,” Mdhuli said.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli