The body of Bontle Mashiyane, a six-year-old who went missing in Mpumalanga fir weeks, was found mutilated not far from her home, Sharon Mashiyane (the aunt), confirmed to the media. “Yes, she has been found dead and mutilated. That’s what I can say for now. We are waiting for leadership of the police for further information,” said Mashiyane.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brig Selvy Mohlala confirmed the arrests but said provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Semakaleng Manamela would shed more light on the matter later as she was going to meet with Bontle’s family first.

Suspections are on Collen Hlongwane, who was last seen talking with the girl on April 30. An arrest was made on Friday along with another man. The two allegedly pointed out to the police where Bontle’s body was dumped.  “On Friday night we arrested Hlongwane and another man, then today [Saturday] they went to point out where the lifeless body of Bontle was found mutilated,” said the officer who is not allowed to speak to the media.

While on parole, Hlongwane murdered Khonzi Ntsingwane and was subsequently convicted and sentenced in January 2016 to 15 years in prison, three years of which were suspended on condition he does not commit a similar crime. Labelled unfit to possess a firearm. He spent only five years behind bars for the murder before he was again released on parole November 2021.