NATIONAL NEWS - The body of a 16-year-old matric learner from a school in Pienaar was found buried in a shallow grave on Wednesday, Mpumalanga News reports.

According to witnesses, the victim was last seen by her family on Monday afternoon when she joined a study group at the school.

On Wednesday, the victim’s parents reported the matter to the police and an 18-year-old boy who allegedly accompanied the girl home after studies, was questioned on the girl’s whereabouts.

He initially told them that he last saw the victim with another man he claimed to be her uncle.

After serious interrogation, the suspect later said he had scared the victim by saying there was a snake near her and she apparently fell on a rock and died.

He then decided to bury her.

The teenager took the girl’s parents and police to a shallow grave where the victim’s body was found.

Captain Jabulile Ndubane confirmed the matter. She said the suspect was detained at Pienaar police station and will appear at Kanyamazane Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

“Investigations on what really happened still continue. The victim’s body had signs of strangulation and rape, “she said.

Source: Caxton publication, Alberton Record.