An 18-year-old dad has been arrested for the brutal murder of his five-month-old baby boy.
This incident occurred on Tuesday, 7 October, in the village of Jimmy Jones, Malamulele, Limpopo.
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The deceased baby was found with severe injuries to his face and head.
According to the police, the victim’s mum arrived at Malamulele Police Station to report a case of domestic violence after she was allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend, who is also the dad of the deceased infant.
Police spokesman Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba reported that while the mum was lodging the complaint, she also informed the police that the suspect had repeatedly assaulted their baby.
“Fearing for her safety, she fled the house, leaving the baby with the suspect behind.
“Police immediately accompanied her to the residence. Upon arrival, they were met with a gruesome discovery – the lifeless body of the infant lying on the floor,” he said.
Mashaba said preliminary investigations revealed that the baby had sustained visible injuries to the head and face, suggesting he was severely assaulted before succumbing to his injuries.
The suspect fled the scene after the incident but was tracked down and arrested later the same day.
The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe commended the swift response of Malamulele police following the arrest of the suspect.
“Lieutenant-General Hadebe condemned the horrific incident, describing it as a heartbreaking act of violence that no kid should ever endure.”
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“She further commended the detectives for their swift and dedicated efforts that led to the suspect’s arrest within hours of the crime,” said Mashaba.
The suspect will appear in the Malamulele Magistrates Court on Thursday, 9 October 2025, facing a charge of murder.
