SOUTH AFRICA: American Tourist Murdered At Five-star Cape Town Resort

The American tourist found dead at a five-star Cape Town hotel has been identified as 39-year-old Los Angeles marketing executive Gabriela Kabrins.

Officials in South Africa confirmed that Kabrins body was discovered at the Camps Bay Retreat Boutique Hotel on Wednesday and have arrested a 41-year-old man from Guatemala in connection.

Investigators said Diego Guarte was arrested wandering a nearby beach half naked and said they believe the two were a couple.

Police said they are working on the theory that she died after a sex and drugs session that went wrong and revealed they found a little over one pound of cocaine in their hotel room.

According to police, Kabrins had been the victim of a horrific sexual assault using a curling iron.

They also revealed a message had been smeared onto her body with her excrement.

Police believe that the pair traveled to Cape Town together and were in town for a possible drugs deal.

According to investigators, Guarte does not speak English and the police are currently securing an interpreter.

The Camps Bay hotel is described on its website as 'a sanctuary for the soul', which charges up to $6,900 per night for a room, with suites costing up to $10,000 per night.

The retreat's website adds: 'Set on four acres of lush green nature reserve, with a mountain meditation pool, thickets of trees, waterfalls and streams, it is a peaceful paradise, where meditative moments are waiting to be had.

'A refuge for the body and a haven for the mind, you'll unravel and surrender to the tranquility.'

The U.S. Embassy in South Africa said the killing occurred on Wednesday, but refused to give any more details about the case.

According to IOL News, Rwexana added that the suspect is due to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court once charges have been formulated.

And as the circumstances behind her tragic and violent death continue to emerge, friends and family struggled to comprehend their loss.

Her friend and business partner, Martin Llorens, with whom she founded a Hispanic television and marketing venture posted a tribute to her on Facebook mourning the sudden death.

'My dear Gaby, Rest in Peace. Love you Forever. In Your Light I Learn Who I am. I will Always Treasure You. Martin.'

He later posted another tribute to his friend: 'I have loved you for a thousand years. I will love your for a thousand more.

'In memory for my friend, my partner, my teacher and my mentor, your soul rest in peace. I love you forever.'

The 39-year-old LA resident was a graduate of Pepperdine Universtiy in Malibu, California and founded and her own marketing and advertising firm, Conexión in 2002 with Martín Llorens.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Kabrins was born and raised in LA and describes herself as being of Mexican descent.

Her work with Llorens is specifically designed to raise the profile of the Hispanic community in LA and with him founded her venture, 'Hola Martín: Estilo de Vida' in 2007.

The show appeared on the top rated Spanish language morning show 'Despierta America' on the Univision network.

However, last year it appeared that Kabrins fell into financial difficulties.

She broke her back in May of 2013 and the resulting medical bills left her strapped for cash.

In April of 2014 she told the Santa Monic Daily Press that she had every intention of paying her bill, but they were leaving her stretched.