A MAN is set to appear in the Umbumbulu Magistrate’s Court today (January 12) after he was arrested for the murder of seven-year-old Nhlalwenhle Magwaza, who was reported missing on November 23, 2025.

Also read: Help find missing Umbumbulu child

Dawn Gounden of Renegades Search and Rescue, who is also the deceased girl’s family spokesperson, said the accused was arrested after he allegedly confided to another individual about what he had done. Upon hearing the information about the crime, the confidante alerted the police. The alleged perpetrator is related to the child.

On the day she went missing, Gounden said Nhlalwenhle left her home and walked to a nearby tuckshop with family members, who then walked part of the way back home with her.

“She was left not far from her home, with the expectation that she would arrive home safely. Tragically, this was the last time her family saw her alive,” said Gounden.

An extensive search operation led by the police with the community’s assistance drew a blank, but after he was arrested on January 8, the accused led the police to a nearby river where he pointed out Nhlalwenhle’s charred remains.

Funeral details had not been finalised at the time of publishing.

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