A 36-year-old pastor has been arrested in Diepsloot in connection with the death of a four-month-old baby and the alleged rape of the child’s 43-year-old mother, following a disturbing incident at the Hennops River in Gauteng.
The suspect was arrested on Saturday, 10 October, after police launched a manhunt following the discovery of the infant’s body in a shallow grave near the river earlier in the week.
According to police, the pastor was found hiding in a back room in a Diepsloot informal settlement after an investigation involving detectives and Crime Intelligence. He was reportedly found with injuries.
The arrest brings the number of suspects in custody to three, including the pastor’s two wives, who were also arrested in connection with the case.
Mother allegedly lured to river for ritual
The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday, 7 October, when the woman travelled to the Hennops River, near the R511 road, with the pastor and one of his wives for what was described as a spiritual cleansing ritual.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the woman and the pastor proceeded towards the river while his 24-year-old wife reportedly remained behind with the baby.
“Upon arrival, the pastor’s wife reportedly remained behind with the baby while the pastor and the woman proceeded towards the river. It is alleged that the woman was subsequently raped and tied up,” Nevhuhulwi said.
The woman allegedly managed to free herself and ran to a nearby construction site, where she sought assistance from workers. They alerted private security and the police, prompting a search for the missing infant and the suspects.
Baby’s body discovered in shallow grave
Following the woman’s escape, a multidisciplinary police team was deployed to search the area and establish what had happened to the child.
The operation involved Crime Scene Management, Search and Rescue, General Detectives, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, as well as drone operators.
Police subsequently located the pastor’s 24-year-old wife, who led investigators to a shallow grave near the river. The baby’s body had been concealed beneath leaves.
The discovery prompted a murder investigation, alongside cases of kidnapping and rape.
The Gauteng provincial government condemned the incident, expressing concern over the violence allegedly inflicted on the mother and the death of her infant.
Government condemns alleged attack
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi described the incident as a “savage act of barbarism” and extended his condolences to the family.
“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. No parent should ever face such trauma,” Lesufi said in a statement issued by the provincial government.
The government also praised the construction workers for alerting the authorities and helping initiate the response.
“Their quick thinking and decision to alert the authorities made a critical difference,” the statement said.
The provincial government reiterated its commitment to working with the police and communities to address gender-based violence and femicide.
Pastor expected in court as investigation continues
Police confirmed that the pastor was arrested on Saturday following an intensive investigation. He is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 12 October.
The pastor’s two wives were also arrested, with police previously confirming that they appeared before the same court on Friday, 9 October.
Authorities have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward or contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
