A search for a missing 10-year-old girl near Tabak Bay in the Western Cape has continued into its second day, police said on Saturday.

"As we speak, helicopter's went out today [Saturday], foot and vehicle patrols are combing the beach," said Inspector Bernadine Steyn.

Police are also using diving units, dog units, as well as boats to search for the girl, Montesha Kekana, she said.

Kekana went missing from her home in Iraq informal settlement near Saldanha at 6pm on Thursday. She was last seen walking with a 32-year-old man.

The man was arrested on Friday after a case of murder was opened by police.

"A case of murder has been opened at Saldanha police station in connection with the disappearance of Montesha Kekana," said Steyn.

"The shoes of the missing girl were found in the possession of the suspect."

Police had evidence that led them to believe the child may have been murdered.

Steyn said the arrested man would appear in the Vredenburg Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Sapa

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