Police have launched a manhunt for a pastor after a 43-year-old mother was allegedly raped and her four-month-old baby was murdered and buried in a shallow grave near the Hennops River in Gauteng.
Incident details
According to a statement from the South African Police Service, the incident occurred on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. Preliminary information indicates that the woman had gone to the Hennops River near the R511 road, accompanied by her pastor and his wife, for a ritual.
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.
Victim escapes and raises alarm
The victim managed to free herself and sought assistance at a nearby construction site. A private security company was activated and the police were alerted.
Search and recovery operation
A multidisciplinary team comprising Crime Scene Management, Search and Rescue, General Detectives, Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) detectives, as well as drone operators, was immediately deployed to search for the missing infant and locate the pastor and his wife.
The 24-year-old wife of the pastor was subsequently located and questioned by police. She led investigators to a shallow grave where the baby's body was found.
Case opened
Police have opened a case of kidnapping, rape and murder. The investigation is underway while the manhunt for the pastor continues.