Mapaballo Borotho
- A Mpumalanga man has been arrested after allegedly killing his two-year-old niece in a shocking family tragedy.
- The toddler was rushed to hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
- The suspect has since appeared in court, with his bail hearing set for 12 February.
A 24-year-old man from Mpumalanga has been arrested for the alleged murder of his two-year-old niece.
The suspect was hunted down after family members rushed the toddler to a local hospital, where she was tragically declared dead on arrival.
Provincial police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane said it is alleged that the child’s uncle attacked her before fleeing the scene without saying a word.
“Upon arrival at the hospital, police found the body of a two-year-old child lying on a bed and showing no signs of life,” said Ndubane.
According to a police report, three children aged between two and six were playing outside when the suspect allegedly emerged from the house carrying a knife.
He reportedly grabbed his two-year-old niece, forced her to the ground, and inflicted fatal injuries before leaving the scene. The other two children ran back into the house to alert adults.
The injured child was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
The suspect handed himself over to police on Monday and was formally charged with murder.
He appeared before the Kwamhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 03 February 2026, where the matter was postponed to 12 February 2026 for a formal bail application.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the incident and extended condolences to the grieving family.
“It is shocking to learn that a family member brutally murdered an innocent child. We will ensure that the law takes its course,” said Mkhwanazi.
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