The suspects might be linked to other cases, like the recent kidnapping and killing of two girls.

Three people have been arrested and two more are being questioned in connection with the murder of Bontle Mashiyane (6). One of those arrested is a next-door neighbour of the Mashiyane family while a sangoma was taken in for questioning.

Mashiyane had gone missing 21 days ago, and her body was discovered buried not far from her home Mganduzweni near White River on Friday.

On May 10, the community closed the Masoyi Police Station so police can search for the then missing Mashiyane.

“We cannot have the police certifying documents while children are missing. We must find Bontle,” community leaders said at the time.

Her body was found mutilated.

The provincial police commissioner, Luitenant General Semakaleng Manamela, told the media yesterday, that the police are questioning two more suspects and are adamant that they will successfully link them to this case.

“We can confirm that the police have arrested three suspects and are questioning two more. The three suspects include a woman who is a next-door neighbour of the Mashiyane family,” says Manamela.

She, premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane and the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, visited the Mashiyane family and briefed them about the latest developments in this case, including the arrest of the three suspects.

The suspects are linked to other similar cases, including a recent incident in which two little girls were abducted and later found murdered.

It has since come to light that a sangoma (traditional healer) is among the people being questioned by the police.

It is suspected Bontle was killed because of muti-related rituals.

The suspects are expected to appear in court this week.

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