Police have arrested a 45-year-old man in connection with the murder, rape, and kidnapping of a young girl in Parkside in the Eastern Cape.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the child’s body was discovered at a dumpsite in Second Creek, Parkside , on 4 April 2026.
The Crime
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the post-mortem confirmed that she had been raped and strangled.
“The child was last seen playing with friends when an unknown male asked her about her father at a local spaza shop. The other children left without informing her grandmother.”
A missing person case was opened, and Search and Rescue later located her body.
The Arrest
Following further investigation, including witness statements from the children who saw the deceased with the suspect, the 45-year-old man was detained on 7 April 2026.
He is scheduled to appear in the East London Magistrate’s Court on 9 April 2026 on charges of murder, rape, and kidnapping.
The Response
The SAPS praised the quick response of its specialised units.
“SAPS applauds the swift work of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and all role players. The investigation continues.”
The Warning
Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could aid investigations into crimes against children.
The Bottom Line
A 7-year-old girl went missing. Her body was found at a dumpsite. She had been raped and strangled.
A suspect is in custody. The FCS Unit is investigating. And a community is in shock.
