Police in Kariega arrested a 27-year-old man for the brutal murder of an eight-year-old girl whose body was discovered on Monday.
SAPS spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, said the family of little Veronique May reported her missing on Sunday afternoon.
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She said a search was immediately launched by police who obtained information about whom she was with when she was last seen on Sunday evening.
Janse Van Rensburg said members of SAPS Kamesh found the man and took him to the police station for his own safety.
“On Monday, after a questioning the suspect took the investigating officer to De Booi Street, Langa where they found her lifeless body in one of the rooms on the premises.
“The suspect was arrested on charges of murder and will appear in the Kariega magistrate court on Wednesday,” Janse Van Rensburg said.
Nelson Mandela Bay district commissioner, major-general Vuyisile Ncata, has strongly condemned the horrific act and commended the swift response by the investigating team.
“The murder of a child is one of the most heartless crimes imaginable. We will ensure that justice is served for this young victim and her family,” he said.
Janse Van Rensburg said the police are continuing to urge communities to protect children and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately to the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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“Gender-based violence and crimes against children remain a serious concern, and the SAPS reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are brought to justice.”
