A 33-year-old male suspect handed himself over to Belfast police yesterday after allegations that he murdered a sex worker on Friday.

According to a local police media statement, the suspect allegedly hired the services of the female victim, collected her from a street in Belfast, and took her to a farmhouse.

A quarrel reportedly broke out between them, turning physical, during which the suspect strangled and stabbed the woman. After realising she had died, he attempted to conceal her body by burying it in a shallow grave and covering it with stones. Police are still working to locate the victim’s family.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court soon.

Acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased.

“As we recently launched our festive season operation, one of our key focus points is to deal with the scourge of gender-based violence. An intense investigation has already begun, and the state is working towards ensuring justice is served for the murdered victim,” Mkhwanazi said.