Police in Carolina have arrested a 42-year-old man in connection with the murder of 26-year-old Nokuhle Lethukuthula Malaza, whose disappearance was reported earlier this month. The suspect was apprehended in Sihlakwane Village, Groblersdal, Limpopo, on Thursday, 13 November 2025.

A missing person’s inquiry was opened on 6 November after Nokuhle failed to return home. She was last seen on Saturday, 1 November, leaving a local tavern in Kromkrans Village with a male friend. While the man later returned to the area alone, Nokuhle never resurfaced, prompting concern from family and community members.

When questioned about the woman’s whereabouts, the man allegedly fled Kromkrans and hid at his sister’s house in Arnot. As detectives began tracing him, they discovered that he had been admitted to Middelburg Hospital and later transferred to Witbank Hospital for specialist treatment. Police left their contact details for follow-up but were informed that he had been discharged the following day.

Community frustration grew, leading to road blockades in Kromkrans on Wednesday, 12 November, demanding his arrest. Carolina SAPS management appealed for calm, assuring the public that the investigation was advancing.

Detectives later impounded a vehicle allegedly used during Nokuhle’s disappearance after failing to locate the suspect at his sister’s home. His cellphone remained unreachable, prompting the formation of a multidisciplinary team comprising members from Carolina, Badplaas, and Chrissiesmeer SAPS.

Through intelligence-led operations, the team tracked the suspect to Sihlakwane Village, where they found him waiting for transport with his luggage. With assistance from Hlogotlou and Groblersdal SAPS, police arrested him before he could leave the area.

During questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed to assaulting Nokuhle with a beer bottle and leaving her unconscious. He later led police to a bushy area on a farm between Chrissiesmeer and Carolina, where officers discovered her naked, decomposed body.

All relevant officials attended the scene, and the victim’s family has been notified. The suspect is expected to appear before the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court on 17 November 2025 on a charge of murder.