Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi condemns the kidnapping and death of a four-month-old baby and alleged rape of the mother in Atteridgeville
The Gauteng Provincial Government strongly condemns the kidnapping and death of a four-month-old baby and the alleged rape of the mother in Atteridgeville. Preliminary reports indicate that a pastor and his wife lured a woman to the Hennops River, near the R511 road, under the false pretext of performing a ritual.
While the pastor's wife stayed behind with the baby, the pastor and the victim walked toward the river, where she was reportedly tied up and assaulted. Police have since arrested the pastors wife, and the pastor, who is the main suspect, remains at large as officers search the crime scene, surrounding areas, and a nearby river.
The provincial government commends and thanks the Department of Roads and Transport maintenance and construction teams for their quick response to the incident. While performing their normal duties, they noticed suspicious activity involving a man who appeared to have abducted a woman and her baby. T
heir quick thinking and decision to alert the authorities made a critical difference, enabling the Office of the Premier to mobilise law enforcement resources, including a helicopter search. We condemn this savage act of barbarism that has taken an infant from a family, violated an innocent woman, and caused deep pain and anxiety to the family and the entire community. I offer my sincere condolences to the mother and family; no parent should ever face such trauma.
We fully support the South African Police Service in their investigation. Those responsible must face the full force of the law. Anyone with information that can help locate the suspect should contact the police immediately, said Premier Lesufi. This cruel and senseless crime, like other recent attacks on women and children, strengthens the provinces determination to ensure perpetrators face the full force of the law.
The provincial government will continue using every available resource and working closely with the South African Police Service and communities until GBVF is wiped out from our society.
For media enquiries:
Elijah Mhlanga
Spokesperson for Gauteng Provincial Government
Cell: 083 580 8275
E-mail: Elijah.Mhlanga@gauteng.gov.za
Sizwe Pamla
Spokesperson for Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi
Cell: 060 975 6794
E-mail: sizwe.pamla@gauteng.gov.za
