Man arrested after bodies of missing Germiston 8-year-old cousins found

Gauteng police have arrested a 40-year-old man following the discovery of the bodies of two cousins in an unused building in Germiston on Monday.

The girl and boy‚ both 8‚ were reported missing at the local police station on Sunday night‚ police said. It is unclear how they died‚ however‚ they had suffered head injuries.

The suspect was arrested late on Monday afternoon and would be charged with murder‚ the police statement said‚ adding that the possibility of additional charges could not be ruled out.

The bodies were found covered in an unused building few kilometres from where they disappeared.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Deliwe de Lange praised investigators for the swift arrest and discovery of the bodies.

“This is a very difficult and painful time for the families. However‚ we appreciate their co-operation in finding these children as soon as possible‚” De Lange said.

“Without their assistance and that of the community of Germiston‚ we would not have been able to make such a quick breakthrough.”