DIEPSLOOT \u2013 A pastor arrested in Diepsloot in connection with the alleged rape of a 43-year-old mother and the murder of her four-month-old baby has appeared in court alongside two women accused in the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pastor Caiphus Mkhawane, 36, appeared before the Atteridgeville Magistrates\u2019 Court with Tsako Angel Makhubela, 25, and Amanda Manono Mnguni, 32.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the case was postponed to 16 October 2026 for legal aid representation and bail investigations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mkhawane was arrested in Diepsloot on 10 October after allegedly hiding in a backroom in the informal settlement. His arrest followed a police manhunt after the infant\u2019s body was discovered in a shallow grave near Hennops River on 7 October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The case centres on allegations that the mother was taken to the river under the pretext of performing religious rituals intended to free her from evil spirits and protect her children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the NPA, the woman was allegedly tied up and washed with water from a bucket before Mkhawane took her to the river, where he allegedly raped her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The prosecution further alleges that Mkhawane returned to collect the baby from Makhubela before the two went into nearby bushes, where the child was allegedly killed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The mother reportedly escaped and sought help from construction workers, who assisted in alerting the police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Investigations also revealed allegations that several funeral policies had been taken out in the mother\u2019s name in August 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All three accused face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and fraud. Mkhawane and Makhubela face additional charges, including human trafficking, premeditated murder, rape, two counts of kidnapping and robbery with aggravating circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Makhubela and Mnguni were arrested on 7 October, while Mkhawane was arrested three days later in Diepsloot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The case has raised serious concerns about the alleged exploitation of religious trust and the safety of women and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The accused are expected to return to the Atteridgeville Magistrates\u2019 Court on 16 October. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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