A family in Diepsloot, South Africa, is preparing to bury their four-month-old girl who was murdered after her mother was raped by a pastor and his two wives. The accused, 36-year-old pastor Caiphus Mkhawane and his two wives, Tsako Angel Makhubela and Amanda Manono Mnguni, face multiple charges, including fraud, conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, rape, human trafficking, and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The baby's body was discovered in a shallow grave near the Hennops River.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the accused took out several funeral insurance policies in the name of the baby's mother. The NPA alleges that on the day of the incident, Mkhawane and Makhubela travelled with the mother and her baby to the Hennops River under the pretext of performing religious rituals to free the woman from evil spirits and to protect her children. The incident has left the family traumatised as they struggle to come to terms with the loss of the baby and the rape of their mother.
The accused and the victims lived in the same informal settlement in Diepsloot Extension 1. The woman's elder daughter said she was devastated when she learnt of her younger sister's death and the rape of their mother. The family had been attending the pastor's church for about four years and could not understand what could have led to the crimes. The family is struggling to understand the motives behind the horrific act.
The incident occurred when Mkhawane and Makhubela instructed the victim to undress, tied her up, and Makhubela allegedly washed her using water from a bucket. Mkhawane then accompanied the woman to the river, leaving the baby with Makhubela. At the river, the pastor allegedly washed the woman again before raping her. After the rape, the pastor went to take the child from his wife and they both went to the bushes where they killed the child.
The woman allegedly managed to escape and reported the incident to nearby construction workers, who helped contact the police. Mkhawane reportedly fled the scene but was arrested on October 10 after police found him hiding in Diepsloot. The family commended the police for their response and the arrests. They are counting on the justice system to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The family is also opposed to the accused being granted bail. Various organisations working to combat gender-based violence have expressed support for the family following the accused's first court appearance. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi condemned the incident, saying the provincial government was supporting the police investigation. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation.
The family is appealing for counselling support to help them cope with the trauma. The woman's elder daughter said the family would welcome assistance from organisations able to provide counselling and emotional support. The family is grateful to people who have come forward to help them prepare for the baby's burial and organise a candlelight vigil in her memory. The accused are expected to reappear in the Atteridgeville Magistrate's Court.
Key points
- The accused, a pastor and his two wives, face multiple charges, including murder, rape, and human trafficking.
- The family is seeking justice and counselling support to cope with the trauma.
- The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with various organisations expressing support for the family.
