Atteridgeville Pastor Baby Murder Rape: Manhunt Underway for Suspect

• A four-month-old baby was found dead in a shallow grave in Atteridgeville, following an alleged kidnapping and the reported rape of the baby's 43-year-old mother.
• A pastor and his wife allegedly lured the victim to the Hennops River under the pretext of a ritual, where the mother was reportedly tied up and assaulted.
• The pastor's wife has been arrested, but the pastor, identified as the main suspect, is currently at large, prompting a police manhunt.
• Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi condemned the "savage act" and called for public assistance, while the provincial government vowed to combat gender-based violence and femicide.
• Department of Roads and Transport teams alerted authorities after observing suspicious activities, and the victim managed to free herself and seek help.

This cruel and senseless crime, unfortunately, mirrors other recent attacks targeting women and children, reinforcing the province's unwavering resolve to ensure that all perpetrators face the full consequences of the law.

A devastating incident has shocked the community of Atteridgeville, involving the alleged kidnapping and subsequent death of a four-month-old infant, alongside the reported rape of the baby's 43-year-old mother. The infant's body was tragically discovered in a shallow grave on Wednesday, prompting an immediate and extensive police investigation.

Reports indicate that a local pastor and his wife are central figures in this heinous crime. The couple allegedly lured the victim to the Hennops River, under the false pretense of conducting a ritual. Once at the location, the pastor's wife reportedly stayed with the baby, while the pastor accompanied the victim towards the river.

It was near the river that the woman was reportedly tied up and assaulted. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, the victim managed to free herself and sought help, which ultimately led to authorities being alerted to the grave situation.

Following the victim's escape and her subsequent report, law enforcement agencies swiftly launched a comprehensive manhunt for those responsible. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the arrest of the pastor's wife in connection with the incident. However, the pastor, identified as the primary suspect in the case, remains at large, with officers actively searching the crime scene, surrounding areas, and a nearby river.

Crucially, the initial alert to the authorities came from vigilant maintenance and construction teams belonging to the Department of Roads and Transport. These workers observed suspicious activities in the area and promptly reported their concerns. Their quick thinking played a critical role in enabling the Office of the Premier to mobilize law enforcement resources, including a helicopter search, to respond to the unfolding crisis.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has issued a strong condemnation of what he described as a “savage act of barbarism” that resulted in the infant's death and the alleged violation of the mother. Premier Lesufi extended his deepest condolences to the grieving mother and her family, emphasizing the profound trauma inflicted and stating that no parent should ever have to face such an ordeal.

The Premier affirmed the provincial government's unwavering support for the ongoing SAPS investigation and urged any member of the public with information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspect to contact the police immediately. He stressed that those responsible must face the full force of the law for their actions.

In a statement, the provincial government underscored that this cruel and senseless crime, tragically mirroring other recent attacks on women and children, only strengthens the province's determination to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The government reiterated its commitment to utilizing every available resource and working closely with the South African Police Service and communities until GBVF is eradicated from society.

Source: Original reporting via SAnews.gov.za