Gqeberha – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a six-year-old girl, following an intensive investigation by the South African Police Service’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
Police said FCS detectives acted on information about two persons of interest believed to be in Makhanda. The intelligence was operationalised, leading to the arrest of a 25-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man. The pair was subsequently transported back to Gqeberha for further investigation.
On Friday, 10 April 2026, investigators made a breakthrough when the child’s body was discovered in a shallow grave at St George’s Beach.
The suspects have been detained on charges of murder and are expected to appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 April 2026.
Authorities said the identity of the deceased will be confirmed and released once formal identification processes have been completed.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata described the case as deeply disturbing and commended officers for their efforts.
“This is a deeply disturbing and heartbreaking case. The brutality inflicted on an innocent child has no place in our society. We commend our members for their dedication and persistence in ensuring that justice is served,” Ncata said.
He also urged members of the public to continue working with police and to report any information that may assist in similar investigations.
