South African boy,17, arrested for brutal murder of 16 year old girl

Sunday, May 3, 2026 -Police have arrested a 17-year-old for the brutal m8rder of a 16-year-old girl whose body was discovered in a bush area in Pharare Village, Limpopo, South Africa.

The body of the 16-year-old girl was discovered on Friday, May 1, 2026 at about 6pm. 

The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said officers had no idea what awaited them upon arrival 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 teenage boy tried pinning the crime on unknown suspects. 

“The suspect initially informed police that he was walking with the deceased in Pharare Village when they were accosted by occupants of a blue VW Polo motor vehicle and that the suspects, comprising two males and two females, were wearing masks and armed with firearms,” Ledwaba said. 

The victim, who had sustained injuries, claimed they were was from the group that accosted him and the girl. 

“He further indicated that they were forced into the vehicle at gunpoint and driven to a bushy area along the road. In the bushes, the male teenager sustained knife wounds to his arm and abdomen before managing to escape,” Ledwaba said.

Police were notified, and a search of the crime scene led to the discovery of the victim’s head. It was buried near her body. 

At this time, the 17-year-old boy was admitted to the hospital for medical treatment. 

“Following the incident, the members of the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, Mopani Tracking Team, together with Maake Detectives, immediately commenced with intensive investigations that subsequently led to the apprehension of the 17-year-old male suspect while admitted at a local hospital on Saturday, April 2, 2026,” Ledwaba said. 

Police said the teenage boy was positively linked to the murder. 

A weapon that was utilised in the commission of the crime was also confiscated.

Ledwaba said police investigations into the brutal m8rder continue. 

“The probation officer will conduct the assessment in terms of the Child Protection Act to determine the suspect’s appearance in court,” Ledwaba added.