Polokwane – A 35-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly killing a 13-month-old baby girl and seriously injuring her mother by driving over them with a pickup van in Mankweng, Limpopo.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the suspect, who is the ex-boyfriend of the woman, was arrested following the incident, which occurred on Friday evening, 26 July 2025, at around 20:05.
According to preliminary information, the mother and her baby were waiting for a taxi to Segopye village when the suspect arrived and began arguing with the woman.
A taxi arrived during the altercation, and the woman and her baby boarded the vehicle.
#sapsLIM Police in Mankweng have arrested a 35-year-old man for killing a 13-month-old baby girl and injured her mother by driving over them with pickup van on Friday, 26/07, at Marothi (Makwalaneng) Cross. The man was identified as the victim’s ex-boyfriend. The suspect will… pic.twitter.com/PSF6iJUwKc
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 27, 2025
“While they were on their way, the taxi driver apparently informed the woman that a pickup van was following them,” said Ledwaba.
The mother and child got off the taxi at Marothi (Makwalaneng) Cross. It was at that point that the suspect, allegedly driving at high speed, ran them over with the vehicle and did not stop.
Both victims were rushed to Mankweng Hospital with serious injuries. The baby later succumbed to her injuries, while the mother sustained leg injuries.
Police have opened a case of murder and attempted murder. The suspect is expected to appear in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 28 July 2025.
Investigations are ongoing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
