Mpumalanga – Police in Mpumalanga have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the alleged kidnapping, rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl in Charl Cilliers.
According to the South African Police Service, the child was reported missing on Sunday, 8 March 2026, prompting an urgent search operation involving multiple specialised units.
Police said officers from Crime Intelligence, the K9 Unit and detectives were immediately deployed to search for the child. The operation was also supported by private security companies, local farmers and members of the Community Police Forum.
The search team later discovered the child’s clothing dumped near a mealie field in the area. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, who allegedly guided police to the same field where the body of the missing girl was found.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 10 March.
Acting Mpumalanga provincial commissioner, Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the crime, describing it as a heinous act against an innocent child.
Mkhwanazi has called on forensic experts and the investigating team to ensure all necessary evidence is gathered to secure a successful conviction and sentencing.
He also commended the cooperation between police, farmers, private security officers and community members, which he said contributed to the swift arrest of the suspect and the discovery of the child’s body.
Police added that crimes against women and children remain a top priority for law enforcement in Mpumalanga.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
