Gauteng Manhunt For Pastor After Mother Allegedly Raped And Baby Found In Shallow Grave

Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for a pastor following the alleged rape of a 43-year-old mother and the death of her four-month-old baby. The Gauteng baby murder investigation began after the infant’s body was discovered in a shallow grave near Hennops River on Wednesday evening. The baby was found shortly after 7pm.

Gauteng Baby Murder Investigation Follows Alleged Rape

The Gauteng baby murder investigation centres on an alleged cleansing ritual that the mother attended near Hennops River, close to the R511 Road. Police said she had travelled there with her pastor and his wife before the incident allegedly took place. The pastor’s wife reportedly stayed with the baby while the pastor and the woman went towards the river.

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“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,” said police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.

The woman later managed to free herself and reached a nearby construction site for help. Reginald Letswalo, who was at the site, said workers took her into their vehicle and joined efforts to search for those involved. He said the community policing forum and police were also called to assist.

“At this point, where we are standing, is where the pastors wife wanted to cross the street. fortunately, we saw her but she ran away into the bush again. That’s when the whole team from the site came and we tried to search inside [the bush]. We invited the community policing forum in the area and the police.”

Gauteng Baby Murder Search Leads Police To Shallow Grave

The Gauteng baby murder case took a grim turn when a multidisciplinary police team was deployed to locate the missing infant and those believed to be involved. Crime Scene Management, Search and Rescue, General Detectives, Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences detectives, as well as drone operators, took part in the operation. A private security company also joined the search.

Police later located the pastor’s 24-year-old wife and took her in for questioning. Another woman, believed to be the pastor’s other wife, was also brought to the scene to assist investigators.

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The Gauteng baby murder investigation led officers to a shallow grave covered with leaves after the suspect directed them to the location. The four-month-old baby was found dead inside the grave. Police are now investigating kidnapping, rape and murder.

Gauteng Baby Murder Case: Pastor Remains On The Run

The Gauteng baby murder case has resulted in the pastor’s wife being arrested, while the pastor remains at large. Police have not yet indicated where they believe he may be hiding. Investigators are continuing to establish what happened to the mother and her baby.

Letswalo said the woman was visibly distressed after reaching the construction site. He said she had a relationship of trust with the pastor’s wife as a church member, which was why she had agreed to travel from Diepsloot to take part in the cleansing ritual.

“As a church member, there was a good relationship between them and the pastor’s wife. That’s why she had the confidence to come and do those rituals, hence she was taken from Diepsloot and brought this side,” Letswalo added.

Police are appealing to anyone with information that could help locate the pastor or assist with the investigation to contact their nearest police station or provide information directly to the SAPS.