JOHANNESBURG - A manhunt is underway in Gauteng for a pastor accused of kidnapping and killing a four-month-old baby girl in Diepsloot.
The pastor is also accused of raping the baby’s mother. His wife has already been arrested in connection with the alleged crimes.
The baby was found dead in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, on Wednesday, after she was allegedly taken from her mother.
Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says investigators are now probing cases of kidnapping, rape and murder.
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“The case that will be investigated now will be a case of kidnapping, rape and murder,” Nevhuhulwi said.
She confirmed that the child’s mother has alleged that she was raped and said the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit would follow the necessary procedures, including medical examinations and counselling.
Police say the investigation is continuing while officers search for the pastor, who is believed to have been residing in Diepsloot with the victim and her mother.
The circumstances surrounding the baby’s death remain under investigation.
Police said the baby was reportedly found covered with leaves near a river in Atteridgeville. Nevhuhulwi said she could not confirm the nature of the injuries sustained by the child at this stage.
The pastor remains at large.
Police are appealing to anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.