Gauteng – Police have launched a manhunt for a pastor following the alleged rape of a 43-year-old woman and the murder of her four-month-old baby, whose body was found buried in a shallow grave near the Hennops River.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the incident happened on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, after the woman travelled to the Hennops River near the R511 with the pastor and his wife for what was described as a ritual.
According to police, the pastor’s wife remained behind with the baby while the pastor and the woman proceeded towards the river.
“It is alleged that the woman was subsequently raped and tied up,” SAPS said.
The woman managed to free herself and ran to a nearby construction site, where she sought assistance. A private security company was subsequently activated and police were alerted.
SAPS said a multidisciplinary team was immediately deployed to search for the missing infant and locate the pastor and his wife.
The operation involved Crime Scene Management, Search and Rescue, General Detectives, Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) detectives, as well as drone operators.
The pastor’s 24-year-old wife was later located and questioned by police.
“She led investigators to a shallow grave where the baby’s body was found,” SAPS said.
Police have opened cases of kidnapping, rape and murder.
“The investigation is underway, while the manhunt for the pastor continues,” SAPS said.
Police have not yet provided further details on the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death or indicated whether the pastor has been located.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
