Pastor arrested in Diepsloot over alleged rape and death of four-month-old baby

A 36-year-old pastor wanted in connection with the murder of a four-month-old baby and the alleged rape of her 43-year-old mother has been arrested after he was found hiding in a back room in a Diepsloot informal settlement.

Police said the suspect was arrested on Saturday at Diepsloot following an intensive investigation involving detectives and Crime Intelligence. 

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the man was found hiding in a back room in a Diepsloot informal settlement, with injuries.

“The arrest brings the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the incident to three, including the suspect’s two wives, who appeared before the Atteridgeville Magistrate's Court on October 9, 2026.”

Nevhuhulwi said the suspect is expected to appear in court today.

The arrest comes after police launched a manhunt for a pastor following the incident that occurred last week on Wednesday.

Nevhuhulwi said that, according to reports, the mother went to the Hennops River near R511 Road accompanied by her pastor and his wife for a ritual. 

“Upon arrival, the pastor’s wife reportedly 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,” Nevhuhulwi said. 

The woman managed to free herself and escape. She sought assistance at a nearby construction site. A private security company activated a response, and the police were also alerted. 

A multidisciplinary team comprising Crime Scene Management, Search and Rescue, General Detectives, Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit detectives, as well as drone operators, was immediately deployed to search for the missing infant and locate the pastor and his wife.

“The 24-year-old wife of the pastor was subsequently located and questioned by police. She led investigators to a shallow grave where the baby’s body was found.”

Police have opened a case of kidnapping, rape, and murder. The investigation is under way.

Police urged anyone with information to come forward or contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.