A 37-year-old man appeared before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court today, on charges of rape and murder. His appearance comes after he was taken in for questioning on Monday 09 September 2019, in connection with the rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl, which occurred at Malema Section, Emzinoni Township. Today, 11 September 2019, the man was confirmed as the suspect on the matter hence his appearance.
It is reported that the girl left home on Sunday morning, 08 September 2019, after she was sent to a nearby shop by a neighbour but did not return. Later on in the day, her parents together with several 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, 09 September 2019, who then informed the girl’s parents and they in turn reported the matter to the police.
The suspect was remanded in custody for a formal bail application and will appear at the same court on 17 September 2019.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Southern African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma has welcomed the swift arrest of the suspect.
