Pastor and two wives appear in court after mother’s rape and baby’s murder at Hennops River

Pastor Caiphus Mkhawane and his two wives appeared before the Atteridgeville Magistrates' Court on Monday, 12 October 2026,
The trio allegedly lured a mother and her infant to the Hennops River under the guise of a religious ritual in October 2026
The pastor was arrested on 10 October 2026 after a manhunt was launched for him following the rape and the murder

Pastor Caiphus Mkhawane, Tsako Angel Makhubela, and Amanda Manono Mnguni appeared in court. Image: @CrimeWatch_RSA
Source: Twitter

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

GAUTENG — A pastor and his two wives made their first court appearance on Monday, 12 October 2026, facing a string of serious charges linked to the rape of a woman and the murder of her four-month-old infant in Atteridgeville.

Caiphus Mkhawane (36), Tsako Angel Makhubela (25), and Amanda Manono Mnguni (32) appeared briefly before the Atteridgeville Magistrates' Court.

All three face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and fraud. Mkhawane and Makhubela face additional charges of premeditated murder, rape, two counts of kidnapping, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

What allegedly happened at Hennops River?

According to the State, the accused took out several funeral policies in the name of the victim during August 2026, allegedly setting the stage for what followed.

On 7 October 2026, Mkhawane and Makhubela reportedly persuaded the victim to accompany them to the Hennops River, telling her the trip was for a religious ritual to rid her of evil spirits and protect her children.

On arrival, the two instructed the woman to undress and tied her up, after which Makhubela washed her using water from a bucket. Mkhawane then led the victim to the river, leaving the infant in Makhubela's care. At the riverbank, the pastor allegedly washed the woman before the rape. He and Makhubela then allegedly took the baby into nearby bushes, where the infant was killed.

The victim managed to break free and fled to a construction site, where workers helped her contact the police. Makhubela was arrested on 7 October 2026 after the victim identified her, while Mnguni was taken into custody the same evening. Mkhawane was arrested on 10 October 2026.

The matter was postponed to 16 October 2026 to allow for legal aid representation and bail investigations.

Pastor and two wives appear in court after mother’s rape and baby’s murder at Hennops River

What allegedly happened at Hennops River?

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