Atteridgeville:Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has condemned the tragic kidnapping and death of a four-month-old baby, along with the alleged rape of the baby's mother in Atteridgeville.
According to South African Government News Agency, the police have initiated a manhunt for a suspect linked to the alleged rape of a 43-year-old woman and the murder of her child. The baby's body was discovered in a shallow grave on Wednesday.
Premier Lesufi expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the incident, offering condolences to the bereaved family and emphasizing that no parent should endure such trauma. He pledged full support to the South African Police Service in their investigation and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Reports indicate that a pastor and his wife allegedly lured the victim to the Hennops River under the guise of performing a ritual. While the pastor's wife stayed with the baby, the pastor allegedly assaulted the woman by the river. The police have arrested the pastor's wife, while the pastor remains at large.
Authorities were alerted by Department of Roads and Transport teams who noticed suspicious activities. The victim managed to escape and seek help, enabling law enforcement to respond swiftly, including deploying a helicopter search.
The provincial government underscored its commitment to eradicating gender-based violence and femicide, vowing to use all available resources and collaborate closely with police and communities to bring the perpetrators to justice.