NELSPRUIT – A young man suspected of the ruthless murder of a two-year-old toddler is remanded in custody after a brief appearance in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 3 February. Petros Makua (24) is expected back in the same court next Thursday, 12 February for a bail application.
The alarming murder of the little girl occurred at Phola Park in KwaMhlanga on Sunday, 1 February. The child’s identity has yet to be revealed.
Lt Col Jabu Ndubane, spokesperson for Mpumalanga police, said Makua handed himself over to the police the next day – on Monday and was subsequently charged with murder. The deceased is the niece of the suspect. The reason for murdering the child is unknown as an investigation is ongoing.
“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,” said Ndubane. He said the victim sustained a deep wound to the neck.
“The injured child was rushed to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Police received a call from a local hospital at approximately 20:20, reporting that a child had been brought in by family members and was certified dead on arrival,” said Ndubane.
