KUGOMPO CITY – A 45-year-old man, Clive Smith has been arrested and appeared in the East London Magistrate’s Court yesterday, 9 April in connection with the murder, rape, and kidnapping of a 7-year-old girl, Kenisha Thompson in Parkside.
According to SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, the child’s body was found at a dumpsite in Second Creek, Parkside, on 4 April 2026.
“She had been raped and strangled,” she claimed. “The child was last seen playing with friends when an unknown male asked her about her father at a local spaza shop.”
Gantana added that the other children left without informing Thompson’s grandmother.
“A missing person case was opened, and Search and Rescue later located her body,” she said.
Following further investigation, including witness statements from the children who saw the deceased with the suspect, Gantana stated that a post-mortem confirming rape and strangulation, the suspect being detained on 7 April.
Welcoming the arrest, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality welcomed the arrest in a statement. “The Municipality expresses its deep sorrow and strongly condemns this heinous act,” it reads.
Executive Mayor, Councillor Princess Faku, has commended law enforcement for their swift response and reiterated the Municipality’s commitment to ensuring justice is served.
“We remain resolute in our call for accountability. Our thoughts are with the family and the community during this difficult time,” said Faku.
The matter was remanded to Monday, 13 April for Smith’s possible bail application. He will remain in custody.
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