Pastor accused of killing four-month-old baby and raping mother to appear in court

A 36-year-old man accused of murdering a four-month-old baby and raping the child’s mother is expected to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 October 2026.

The man, who is described as a pastor, was arrested over the weekend after police allegedly found him hiding in a back room at an informal settlement in Diepsloot.

His arrest brings the number of suspects in the case to three. His two wives were arrested earlier and appeared in court on Friday, 9 October.

The allegations have sparked outrage in Gauteng, with provincial leaders condemning the reported violence against the woman and her infant.

Police trace suspect to Diepsloot

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the latest arrest brought the total number of suspects to three.

The investigation centres on an alleged incident involving a 43-year-old woman and her four-month-old baby, who were reportedly taken to the Hennops River in Pretoria last week for a ritual.

According to police, the man allegedly proceeded with the woman while his two wives remained with the infant.

Police believe the woman was raped before managing to escape.

Baby’s body found in a shallow grave

The infant’s body was later discovered in a shallow grave near the river.

The man’s two wives were arrested before him, with one of the women allegedly directing police to the baby’s body.

Authorities have not yet presented the case in court against the newly arrested suspect. The allegations will be dealt with through the criminal justice process.

Lesufi condemns alleged attack

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi condemned the incident, describing it as a deeply disturbing act that had affected both the family and the wider community.

“We condemn this savage act of barbarism that has taken an infant from a family, violated an innocent woman, and caused deep pain and anxiety to the family and the entire community,” Lesufi said.

The premier said the incident highlighted the urgent need to address gender-based violence and protect vulnerable members of society.

The 36-year-old is expected to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 October, as the investigation continues.

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Source: The Citizen