Johannesburg – A man was arrested in connection with the murder of a nine-year-old girl in Knysna, Western Cape police said on Sunday.

Spokesperson Bernadine Steyn said the man, 32, was arrested shortly after the little girl’s body was found on Saturday night.

“The deceased… was playing with her friends… [on Saturday] morning when the suspect approached them on foot.

“He offered to walk with [her] through the bushes to a nearby shop to buy chips, but he was seen coming back from the shop alone,” said Steyn.

The girl’s family reported her missing in the afternoon.

Police and community members began searching for her and her body was found on Saturday evening.

“She had an open wound in her neck,” said Steyn.

Police were investigating whether she had also been raped.

The man was arrested and charged with murder. 

He will appear in court soon.

SAPA