Bloemfontein – A 24-year-old man has been arrested for the alleged murder of his four-year-old step-son after the child’s severely injured body was discovered at an old cemetery in Malebogo, Free State.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the suspect, who is the boy’s step-father, is expected to appear in the Hertzogville Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, on a charge of murder.
Police said they attended the scene at the Old Cemetery in Malebogo on Monday, 10 August, following reports of a child’s body being discovered.
“According to reports, the body of a child with severe injuries to the head was found wrapped in blankets and curtains,” SAPS said.
Experts from the Local Criminal Record Centre in Welkom were called to process the crime scene.
A murder case was subsequently opened at Hertzogville police station, with detectives beginning a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Police also visited the address linked to the victim, where they allegedly found bloodstained sections of blankets and curtains, as well as clothing believed to belong to the deceased boy.
“The police arrested the 24-year-old male, who is the deceased’s step-father as a suspect,” SAPS said.
The motive for the alleged killing has not been disclosed, and the investigation is continuing.
The suspect is expected to make his first court appearance on Tuesday.
SAPS said the case forms part of its ongoing efforts to combat crime and protect children.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
