MPUMALANGA – A 24-year-old man is expected to appear in the Kwamhlanga Magistrate’s Court today, 3 February, following his arrest for the alleged murder of a two-year-old.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, police received a call from a local hospital at approximately 20:20 on 1 February, reporting that a child had been brought in by family members and was certified dead on arrival.
“Upon arrival at the hospital, police found the body of a two-year-old child lying on a bed with a deep wound to the neck and showing no signs of life,” said Ndubane.
“It is alleged that the child’s uncle attacked her before fleeing the scene without saying anything.”
According to preliminary information, three children aged between two and six were playing outside when the suspect emerged from the house carrying a knife.
“Without uttering a word, he allegedly grabbed his two-year-old niece, forced her to the ground, and inflicted a fatal injury to her neck before leaving the scene. The other two children ran into the house to report the incident.”
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, strongly condemned the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
“It is shocking to learn that an innocent child was brutally murdered by a family member. We will ensure that the law takes its course,” said Mkhwanazi.
The suspect has been charged with murder and remains in police custody ahead of his court appearance today.
The motive for the attack remains unclear as the investigation continues.
