An Indian-origin girl, who was kidnapped for ransom at a town near Johannesburg, was found murdered on Sunday, police said.

The body of 10-year-old Marissa Naidoo, who went missing from her school on Thursday, was found stuffed in a suitcase during a raid at a house at the town of Benoni, police said.

The kidnapper, who was spotted by the police, died while trying to evade arrest. His identity has not been disclosed.

Police said the kidnapper demanded R500,000 from the young girl's father for her safe return.

Investigations led the detectives to a flat in Radio City, Benoni this morning. Police forced their way into the flat, and found the body of Marissa in the suitcase. On arrival, a man in his late thirties jumped from the 3rd floor building. He died shortly afterwards, police added.

Preliminary investigations show the girl might have been suffocated.