BULTFONTEIN – Police have arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with the alleged murder and rape of a seven-year-old girl whose body was discovered underneath a bed in a shack in Phahameng location, Bultfontein.

The SAPS were summoned to the scene on Sunday, 9 August, following reports of a murder.

Upon arrival, officers were directed to a shack, where they found the lifeless body of the child. The girl was found with her trousers pulled down and injuries to her neck.

Emergency medical services personnel pronounced her dead at the scene.

According to preliminary information, the child was discovered by her 14-year-old sister, who noticed a hand protruding from underneath the bed. She immediately alerted her father, who was in the main house, after which police were called.

Police launched a preliminary investigation and traced a suspect to a nearby farm. The 29-year-old man was subsequently arrested on charges of murder and rape.

Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

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