A young boy and his friends discovered a woman’s body in a suitcase in a pond near a dumping site in Maletswai, in the Eastern Cape.

Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of a woman whose body was found in a suitcase in Maletswai (Aliwal North) on Sunday.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, a young boy and his friends made the grim discovery of a woman’s body in a suitcase in a pond. The pond is in a maizefield area near the local dumping site.

Gantana said emergency services were dispatched to the scene, where the victim was pronounced dead.

“A multidisciplinary team, comprising local detectives, the District Murder Task Team, and the K9 biological dog unit, was immediately mobilised to investigate the case,” she said.

“Through swift and meticulous investigative efforts, authorities were able to identify the crime scene and a suspect linked to the incident.”

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Within 24 hours of the body’s discovery, police arrested a 34-year-old man, who has been identified as the boyfriend of the deceased.

Gantana said the suspect is in police custody and is expected to appear in the Aliwal North Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder soon.

“Police investigations are ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including the motive behind the crime,” she said.

Acting provincial commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso praised the investigative team for their rapid response and commitment to justice.

“The quick arrest demonstrates our dedication to combating violent crime and ensuring that those responsible for such brutal acts are brought before the courts,” said Kupiso.