JOHANNESBURG - Police are in pursuit of a suspect linked to the rape and murder of a six-year-old Soweto girl.
Tensions ran high earlier on Wednesday when Orlando residents apprehended a man they say is a friend of the suspected murderer.
Police had to intervene and took the man into custody.
WATCH | Police appealing for help to track down Soweto rape, murder suspect
Senior Communication Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the initial statement said the suspect was the last person to be seen with the victim.
"We've been working tirelessly to make sure who is the suspect in this case," said Masondo.
"We've obtained a warrant of arrest for him but he is still at large."
The search for the suspect continues with police saying they're following all available leads.