UPDATE: A 37-year-old man appeared in the Bethal Magistrate's Court today on charges of rape and murder. The suspect was taken in for questioning on Monday, September 9, in connection with the rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place at Malema Section, Emzinoni Township. He was subsequently arrested.

It is reported that the girl left her home on Sunday  morning, September 8, to run an errand for a neighbour but never returned. Later in the day, her parents and community members conducted a search for her but failed to locate her.

Her body was discovered by a passer-by close to her home, early on Monday morning, September 9. The latter informed the girl’s parents and they, in turn, alerted police. 

The suspect was remanded in custody for a formal bail application and will reappear in the same court on September 17. 

The Provincial Commissioner for the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lt Gen Mondli Zuma, has welcomed the swift arrest of the suspect.

BETHAL - The police in Mpumalanga are searching for a suspect who allegedly brutally raped and murdered a 13-year-old girl yesterday, September 8, at Malema Section in Emzinoni Township.  

It is reported that the girl left her home yesterday morning to run an errand for a neighbour. When she did not return, her parents and community members conducted their own search but could find no trace of her.

Her body was discovered close to her home by a passer-by this morning, who informed the victim’s parents who then, in turn, alerted the police. An extensive investigation has been launched. Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact WO Shibe Mathabe on 082 462 2836.

The Provincial Commissioner for the Southern African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lt General Mondli Zuma, strongly condemned the incidents of violent crime committed against women and children in the country. He also requested the community to immediately report missing family members to the police.

Editor: Anchen Coetzee
Subeditor: Lynette Brink
Submitted by: Brig Leonard Hlati