After turning himself in to authorities in relation to the m8√der of a 16-year-old girl whose body was found in Joza, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa, a 21-year-old man has been taken into custody. 

In a statement released on Sunday, January 11, 2026, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa stated that the suspect was taken into custody on Friday following his self-report to Joza SAPS.

The arrest comes after Linomtha Skeyi was m8√der.ed on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, and her body was discovered in an open field behind the Department of Social Development’s Joza location in Makhanda.

Skeyi was reported missing on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, according to the police.

Her body was found the next day after a search and rescue effort was initiated.

Investigators have not yet determined a motive. 

“The motive behind the m8√der is not clear at the moment but forms part of the ongoing investigation,” said Mawisa.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Makhanda Magistrate’s Court on Monday, January  12, 2026.

Mawisa confirmed that investigations are continuing as police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the teenager’s d3.ath.