Minentle had been reported missing the previous night.
In a statement on Tuesday, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Andrè Traut said: “Our prioritised around-the-clock investigation into the brutal murder of Minentle Lekhata on Sunday in Lwandle led a group of detectives to a 35-year-old suspect from the same area earlier today.
“He was arrested on a charge of murder and is expected to make a court appearance in Strand on Thursday 8 June 2017. Our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case is yet to be finalised and the finer aspects of the suspect’s apprehension cannot be disclosed at this stage, " says Traut.
“The safety of children is a top priority for the Western Cape police and we will make every endeavor to ensure that offenders are brought to book to face the full consequences of their ruthless deeds.”