Western Cape police say they are close to determining the whereabouts of missing UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana following the arrest of a 42-year-old man in connection with her disappearance.
Brigadier Novela Potelwa said on Saturday detectives had pursued several leads in the Uyinene Mrwetyana case, culminating in the arrest on Friday.
“The team arrested a 42-year-old suspect in Claremont. An extensive investigation is under way to determine the whereabouts of the missing person,” Potelwa said, adding police were confident interviewing the suspect would lead to the finalisation of the investigation.
Mrwetyana’s disappearance near the end of Women’s Month has sparked a massive outcry on social media, with the hashtags #BringNeneHome and #whereisuyinene trending on Twitter last week.
On Wednesday, hundreds of people gathered on the steps of UCT’s Sarah Baartman Hall for a candlelight vigil and prayer for the former Eastern Cape pupil, while similar prayer meetings were held in her home province.
Uyinene Mrwetyana’s family also hired a private investigator who assisted in the search for Meghan Cremer in August to help track the whereabouts of the missing 19 year old.
The suspect is to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
More: Weekend Argus