Police in KwaZulu-Natal arrested the man for questioning after bodies of five women aged 16 to 36 were found in cane fields in the area, located along the province’s south coast.

The latest victims were found last week.

Police took in two men for questioning and subsequently detained them. They were to appear in the Umzumbe Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

On Monday morning, news broke that one of the two men had committed suicide.

Police are yet to confirm reports that 1 of the 2 suspects arrested for the murders of several women in uMthwalume on KZN south coast has committed suicide. He was due to appear in the uMzumbe Magistrate’s Court today in connection with the killing of at least 5 women #sabcnews

— SAfm news (@SAfmnews) August 17, 2020

Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the community on Saturday and assured members that police would be more visible in the area, with more patrols conducted and investigation carried out.  

The community recently expressed their frustration with Hibberdene police. Inkatha Freedom Party spokesperson, Sfundo Ngwane said the community were displeased when no one was arrested on this murder case.

Community members suspects that the murders were carried out by a serial killer, which was not ruled out by police.

Cele is expected to host a briefing into the alleged suicide, and provide updates on the case, on Monday.