DURBAN - A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 40-year-old woman in KwaMashu, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Saturday.

"KwaMashu police worked tirelessly on Friday to find the alleged murder suspect and their perseverance led to the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect," Colonel Thembeka Mbhele said.

"It is alleged that the body of 40-year-old Cindy Bailey was found under the tree next to her home in J section, Mthombothi Road in KwaMashu. She was allegedly strangled and her dress was shoved into her mouth."

A case of murder was opened at KwaMashu police station and the suspect was arrested. The suspect will be charged and will appear in the Ntuzuma Magistrate&39;s Court soon.

A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death and determine whether the woman was raped, Mbhele said.

Acting KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Bheki Langa commended the swift reaction by police which led to the arrest of the suspect.

"We will fight gender-based violence... to ensure that the culprits are successfully prosecuted and sent to prison indefinitely,” Langa said.