Police have launched a manhunt for a pastor accused of kidnapping and killing a four-month-old baby girl in Diepsloot, Gauteng.
The pastor is also accused of raping the baby’s mother. His wife has already been arrested in connection with the alleged crimes.
The infant was found dead in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, on Wednesday after she was allegedly taken from her mother.
Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says investigators are probing allegations of kidnapping, rape and murder.
“The case that will be investigated now will be a case of kidnapping, rape and murder,” Nevhuhulwi said.
She confirmed that the baby’s mother had alleged that she was raped.
Nevhuhulwi said the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit would follow the necessary procedures, including arranging medical examinations and providing counselling to the woman.
Police said the pastor was believed to have been living in Diepsloot with the baby and her mother before the alleged incident.
The circumstances surrounding the child’s death remain under investigation.
According to police, the baby was found covered with leaves near a river in Atteridgeville. Nevhuhulwi said the nature of the injuries sustained by the child could not yet be confirmed.
The pastor remains at large as police continue with the search.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators in locating the suspect is urged to contact the police.