A Mozambican man, Peta Sara Simiao (24), who is suspected of raping and murdering six-year-old Amantle Samane, was arrested earlier today, after police asked the public for assistance.

Samane, who was playing with her friends, was on Monday raped and strangled in Orlando East, allegedly by Simiao who reportedly lured her to his rented shack.

Residents took to the streets to search for Samiao, and on Tuesday police shared his photo and information on various social media platforms, urging users to assist in apprehending him.

The police earlier today shared an update on their official Facebook page thanking residents for playing a role in Simiao’s arrest.

“The police wish to thank the South African media fraternity, social media users and community members who shared the pictures of the suspect.They stood united working with the police and exposed the whereabouts of the suspect.”

The court date of Simiao was not provided by the time of publishing this article.