Diepsloot:Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has expressed approval following the arrest of a man associated with the kidnapping and death of a four-month-old baby, as well as the alleged rape of the child's mother in Diepsloot.
According to South African Government News Agency, police had initiated a manhunt for the suspect last week after the alleged rape of a 43-year-old woman and the murder of her infant, whose body was found in a shallow grave.
Lesufi emphasized that the arrest is a critical step in ensuring those responsible are held accountable and that justice is served. He expressed hope that the criminal justice system would follow due process, allowing the family to find some measure of justice.
The suspect, described as an alleged pastor, will face charges alongside two other individuals related to the incident. The Provincial Government has urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation and present all relevant evidence in court.
The government also called on the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and emphasized the collective responsibility of protecting children's rights and safety. The 36-year-old suspect is scheduled to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrates' Court on Monday, 12 October 2026.