A 22-year-old Somerset West man is facing charges of rape and murder after the death of a little girl at the weekend.

Seven-year-old Juanita Josephs was last seen walking with the man towards dense bushes at the Sir Lowry's Pass Village late on Saturday afternoon. Her body was found on Sunday morning.

Police Constable Susan Jantjies said the man, who claimed to be an eyewitness, was arrested on suspicion of abducting and killing Josephs.

"The 22-year-old suspect will appear tomorrow at the Somerset West Magistrate's court on a charge of murder and rape."

The Western Cape Community Safety department praised police for the speedy arrest, but expressed concern that the greatest dangers to children appeared to lurk close to home.

Eyewitness News

An expression of freedom? If freedom of expression exists, how does the ANC manage to silence every dissenting voice?

ET back on his high horse "We are being oppressed again. We will rise again." Eugene Terre'Blanche is back. Again.

Visit our politics page Need the latest political news, features, interviews and profiles? Visit our dedicated page...