South African police hunt pastor for alleged rape and baby murder

South African police have launched a manhunt for a pastor accused of raping a 43-year-old woman and murdering her four-month-old baby. The incident occurred near the Hennops River near the R511 road after the woman sought spiritual guidance from the pastor.

According to investigators, the woman accompanied the pastor and his wife to the river for a ritual. During the encounter, the pastor allegedly raped and tied up the woman, while the infant was left in the care of the pastor’s wife. The mother managed to free herself and sought help at a nearby construction site, which alerted private security and police.

The infant’s body was subsequently discovered buried in a shallow grave. The pastor’s wife has been arrested and is expected to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court.

The Gauteng Provincial Government and the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission have both condemned the incident. Officials expressed shock at the barbaric nature of the crime and the betrayal of trust involving a religious leader.