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Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the brutal murder of a 16-year-old girl whose body was discovered in a bush in Pharare Village, Limpopo, South Africa.
The victim’s body was found on Friday, May 1, 2026, at about 6 p.m.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said officers were unprepared for what they encountered at the scene.
“According to reports, police received a complaint about a female found deceased in the bush, and they immediately rushed to the scene,” Ledwaba said.
“Upon arrival, police were met by a 17-year-old male suspect who directed them to a nearby bush area where the naked, headless body of the victim was discovered.”
The teenager initially attempted to pin the crime on unknown suspects.
“He informed police that he had been walking with the deceased in Pharare Village when they were accosted by occupants of a blue VW Polo. The suspects—two males and two females—were allegedly masked and armed with firearms,” Ledwaba said.
“He further claimed they were forced into the vehicle at gunpoint and driven to a bushy area along the road. In the bushes, the teenager said he sustained knife wounds to his arm and abdomen before managing to escape.”
A search of the crime scene later led to the discovery of the victim’s head, which had been buried near her body.
At the time, the suspect had been admitted to hospital for medical treatment.
“Following the incident, members of the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, the Mopani Tracking Team, together with Maake Detectives, launched an intensive investigation that led to the apprehension of the 17-year-old suspect while he was admitted to a local hospital on Saturday, May 2, 2026,” Ledwaba said.
Police confirmed that the teenager has been positively linked to the murder. A weapon believed to have been used in the crime was also recovered.
Ledwaba said investigations into the case are ongoing.
“The probation officer will conduct an assessment in terms of the Child Protection Act to determine the suspect’s court appearance,” he added.
