Arrest for 2001 child killing
2003-11-10 15:51
Cape Town - Cape Town detectives arrested a man on Monday in connection with the 2001 murder of nine-year-old Melissa Demas at Kraaifontein on the Cape Flats.
East metropole area commissioner Allan Mondisa said the 22-year-old suspect was taken into custody in a police swoop on a house in the Malmesbury area, about 40km north of Cape Town.
The breakthrough came after the detectives received new information last week, he said.
The man had been handed over to the serious and violent crimes unit, who were investigating, and he would remain in custody until his appearance in court.
Demas's naked body was found in an open field. Her neck and buttocks were bruised and her nose was streaked with blood.
Her killing led to marches, and a placard demonstration outside the provincial government offices, by concerned residents.
- SAPA