The body of a seven-year-old girl reported missing was found in rural Charl Cilliers in western Mpumalanga yesterday. Police have launched a murder investigation and suspect the victim may also have been raped.

The young man who was arrested is expected to make an appearance in the Secunda Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, reports Ridge Times.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo says a 21-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the abduction and murder, led them to the spot in a mealie field where the child’s body was dumped.

He adds that when she was reported missing, police dogs were called in along with detectives and crime intelligence members to search for her. The team was joined by private security officers, farmers and members of the local community policing forum.

“The search led to the discovery of the child’s clothes dumped near the mealie field. Further investigation resulted in the arrest of the suspect, who then led the police to the mealie field where the body of the missing child was found,” explains Masondo.

Mpumalanga acting provincial commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi condemns the crime, referring to it as a heinous act against an innocent child.

He calls on forensic experts and the investigating team to gather all necessary evidence that would lead to the successful conviction and sentencing of the suspect.

Mkhwanazi also applauds the collaboration between the police, farmers, private security officers and the community, which led to the swift arrest of the suspect and the discovery of the body.

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