A pastor and two women linked to the murder of a four-month-old baby have appeared in court on a range of serious charges.

Pastor Caiphus Mkhawane (36), Tsako Angel Makhubela (25) and Amanda Manono Mnguni (32) made a brief appearance before the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

All three accused face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and fraud. Mkhawane and Makhubela face additional charges of human trafficking, premeditated murder, rape, two counts of kidnapping and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Religious ritual turned deadly

It is alleged that the three took out several funeral policies in the name of the victim, who is the mother of the murdered infant, during August.

On 7 October, Mkhawane, Makhubela and the victim travelled to the Hennops River. The victim was told they would perform religious rituals to free her from evil spirits and protect her children.

When they arrived near the river, the two instructed the victim to undress before tying her up. Makhubela allegedly washed her using water from a bucket.

The pastor then took the victim to the river, leaving the child with Makhubela. At the river, he allegedly washed the victim again before raping her.

Child killed in bushes

After the rape, the pastor allegedly took the child from his wife and the two went into the bushes where they killed the infant.

The victim managed to escape and reported the incident to nearby construction workers, who contacted the police.

Following an investigation by Erasmia detectives, Makhubela was arrested on 7 October after being identified by the victim. Mnguni was arrested later the same day, while Mkhawane was arrested a few days later.

The matter was postponed to 16 October for legal aid representation and bail investigations.