JUSTICE FOR LINOMTHA: SUSPECT HANDS HIMSELF OVER

MAKHANDA – There is finally a breakthrough in the heartbreaking case of a teenager found murdered on Christmas Day.

Police have confirmed that a 21-year-old male is behind bars after he handed himself over to the cops at Joza SAPS on Friday, 09 January 2026.

SURRENDERED TO POLICE

The arrest comes after a tense investigation following the brutal killing of 16-year-old Linomtha Skeyi. The community was left in shock when the young man walked into the police station and gave himself up.

CHRISTMAS TRAGEDY

The young girl’s body was discovered in an open field behind the Department of Social Development premises in Joza, Makhanda, on Christmas Day, 25 December 2025.

Sadness gripped the area as it was revealed she had been reported missing just the day before, on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2025. A search and rescue operation ended in tragedy when her body was found the very next day.

MOTIVE A MYSTERY

Police say the reason for this senseless killing is not yet clear. The motive forms part of their ongoing investigation as detectives dig deeper to find out exactly what happened to Linomtha.

FACING THE JUDGE

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to face the music soon. He is due to appear at the Makhanda Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 January 2026.