Rita Odafe
Vusi Nkambule, aged 27, has been taken into custody for the alleged sexual assault and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
The deceased was discovered at a farm in Hendrina on Sunday, August 25, 2024, around 7:30 PM.
Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, the acting police commissioner, acknowledged the detectives on September 9 for their successful effort in apprehending the suspect.
“The prompt response from the detectives exemplifies excellent teamwork and commitment to justice,” he remarked.
“It is through such cooperative actions that the police can safeguard communities and ensure that those who perpetrate such dreadful crimes are held accountable.”
Authorities noted that the suspect had previously killed a man in February and was out on R5,000 bail at the time of the latest incident.
He is expected to appear in court shortly.
Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the provincial police spokesperson, indicated that the suspect fled after allegedly committing the crime.
“As per reports, the girl’s mother was searching for her daughter but could not find her, leading her to report the disappearance to authorities. During her report, she mentioned that her sister’s male associate might have information regarding her daughter’s unexpected absence. She also noted that the child was last seen with this man,” Mdhluli elaborated.
Police promptly investigated the farm where the suspect lived, but he had already left the premises.
“The diligent officers managed to enter his shack, where they found bloodstains. Continuing their search about 100 meters from the shack, they discovered the girl’s lifeless body with multiple stab wounds. Medical personnel at the scene confirmed her death. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect may have raped the girl,” Mdhluli stated.
