| 2023/03/03 |
Media Statement NELSPRUIT - A 21-year-old father from Middelplaas outside Malelane miscalculated his plans when he cut his three weeks old son's throat, and thought he will easily get away with it on Wednesday, 01 March 2023. It is alleged that the suspect who was in company of his four friends forcefully snatched the baby boy from his 15-year-old mother. The worried mother and her family could not report immediately to the police, and they conducted their own search and hoped the baby was safe in his father's custody. The next day, they finally reported the matter to Schoemansdal SAPS yesterday morning, 02 March 2023, after they suspected something sinister might have happened to the child. Police immediately launched a manhunt with the aim of reuniting the little boy with his mother. Information was received that the lifeless body of the child was found dumped in the bushes few metres from the water reservoir and a diesel depot in Middelplaas. The child was found wrapped with a bloody blanket and a towel, his throat cut open. Investigation was intensified and information was received that the suspect (child's father) was at his uncle's place at Kamaqhekeza outside Komatipoort where he arrived with a bag full of clothes. Schoemansdal police did not waste time and followed up the information. The suspect was found inside his uncle's house yesterday, 02 March 2023 and he was arrested. He will be charged with kidnapping, murder and defeating the ends of justice. Considering the age of the child's mother, statutory rape charge will also be added. He is expected to appear in Nkomazi Magistrate's Court in Tonga soon. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi vehemently condemned the gruesome murder, Gender Based Violence and inhumane behaviour by the suspect and strongly believes justice will be served for the little one. He added that when someone's life is in danger, community members should explore all the avenues to reach out to the police for assistance. Ends
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