Pastor Caiphus Mkhawane (36), together with his wives, Tsako Angel Makhubela (25) and Amanda Manono Mnguni (32), appeared briefly in the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court after they were arrested in connection with the murder of the baby and the rape of her mother near Hartbeespoort last week.
“It is alleged that during August 2026, the accused took out several funeral policies in the name of the victim, who is the mother of the deceased infant,” NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said.
She said Mkhawane, Makhubela and the victim travelled to the Hennops River on 7 October under the pretext of performing religious rituals intended to free the victim from evil spirits and provide protection for her children.
“Upon their arrival at an area near the river, the two instructed the victim to undress, tied her up and Makhubela allegedly washed her using water from a bucket.”
The pastor then allegedly took her to the river, leaving the baby with Makhubela. “When they arrived at the river, it is alleged that the pastor washed the victim again and raped her,” Mahanjana said.
“After the rape, the pastor took the child from the wife and they both went to the bushes where they killed the child.”
The case was postponed to 16 October 2026 for legal aid representation and bail investigations.
