According to the police, the couple was living together in the area.

Local residents apparently became suspicious when they noticed that there were no movements in the yard for the entire day on Wednesday, 6 January.

This was after the couple was allegedly heard arguing the previous evening at around 21:30.

On Thursday morning neighbours decided to check what was going on and upon entering the premises, traces of bloodstains were allegedly seen through the window of the house.

Some community members were met by unpleasant smell coming from a shack that has been erected in front of the house.

They then decided to forcefully open the door of the shack after their calls went unanswered and discovered the shallow grave.

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The police were immediately called and the body of the victim was exhumed from the shallow grave that was dug inside the shack.

A manhunt was launched and the suspect was arrested on Friday afternoon after he handed himself at Malamulele police station.

Police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said that the victim is reportedly from KwaMashu in KwaZulu/Natal and her identity cannot be divulged before her family has been notified.

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Mojapelo said that domestic violence cannot be ruled out as the motive for the murder.

Provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Nneke Ledwaba strongly condemned the incident, labelling it one of the horrendous crimes perpetrated against women.

“The arrest of this suspect and the actions that were taken by the local residents are commendable and should send a clear message that perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide will not have any place to hide.

We therefore urge our communities to continue working with the police by reporting crimes,” said Ledwaba.

The accused was due to appear in the Giyani magistrate’s court at the time of going to print.