East London – Police in the Eastern Cape have arrested a 34-year-old man within 24 hours of the discovery of a woman’s body in a suitcase, in a case that has shocked the local community.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, officers responded on 15 March 2026 after a group of boys made the gruesome discovery in a pond near a dumping site in a maize field area.
“Police responded to a report after a young boy and his friends discovered the body of a female in a suitcase in a pond at the maizefield area near the dumping site,” said Gantana.
Emergency services were summoned to the scene, where the woman was declared dead.
A multidisciplinary team, including local detectives, the District Murder Task Team and the K9 biological dog unit, was immediately mobilised to investigate the case.
#sapsEC #SAPS has arrested a suspect within 24 hours in connection with the murder of a woman whose body was discovered in a suitcase in a pond at the maize field area near the dumping site on 15 March 2026. The 34-year-old suepct will appear before the Aliwal North Magistrate’s… pic.twitter.com/V8SwQqH5lT
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 16, 2026
“Through swift investigative work and the gathering of crucial evidence, police were able to identify and locate the crime scene and a suspect linked to the incident,” Gantana said.
Police confirmed that the suspect, believed to be the boyfriend of the deceased, was tracked down and arrested within 24 hours of the discovery.
“Within 24 hours of the discovery of the body, the 34-year-old suspect, the boyfriend of the deceased, was arrested and is currently in police custody,” she said.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Aliwal North Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso praised the swift action by police.
“The quick arrest demonstrates our commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring that those responsible for such brutal acts are brought before the courts,” Kupiso said.
Police investigations are ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing, including the motive.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
