• Police arrested a 27-year-old man after he led them to the body of eight-year-old Veronique May in KwaLanga, Kariega.

• The suspect, who lived near the victim, will appear in the Kariega Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Eight-year-old Veronique May from KwaLanga in Kariega was murdered by her neighbour, a 27-year-old man who later led police to her body.

Police said Veronique was reported missing on Sunday after she didn’t return home. Her family alerted the police around 5pm, and a search began immediately.

On Monday, residents told police they had last seen Veronique with a male neighbour who was also helping in the search. When questioned, he led police to her body.

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg confirmed the arrest. “After questioning, the suspect took the investigating officer to a house on De Booi Street, where the child’s body was found in one of the rooms,” she said.

The suspect was arrested for murder and is expected to appear in the Kariega Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

A neighbour said the man lived on the same street as Veronique.

“She was friends with his younger sister. When he called her on Sunday, she went because she knew him,” she said.

“He allegedly took her to his family’s house in De Booi Street, where he killed her and hid her body in a bin. After that, he went to a tavern as if nothing happened.”

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Major General Vuyisile Ncata condemned the crime, calling it one of the most heartless acts and promised justice for Veronique and her family.

Pictured above: Eight-year-old Veronique May from KwaLanga in Kariega was murdered by her neighbour.

Image source: Facebook