Police launch manhunt for Limpopo father accused of killing 5-month-old son

Bulelwa Hoala

Limpopo police have launched a manhunt in Malamulele for a father accused of killing his 5-month-old baby boy at Jimmy Jones Village.
The child’s mother reported domestic violence and told police she fled their home, leaving the infant behind after repeated assaults.
Police discovered the baby’s body with visible head injuries, and the suspect remains on the run as a murder case is investigated.

The police in Malamulele, under the Vhembe District in Limpopo, are searching for a man who is accused of killing his five-month old son at Jimmy Jones Village on the morning of Tuesday, 7 October 2025.

According to a statement released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Wednesday, 8 October, the mother of the child reported an incident of domestic violence at Malamulele police station after she was assaulted by her boyfriend and the father of her child.

The woman informed the police that she fled their home and left the child behind because she feared for her life.

She also told the police that the man had previously assaulted their baby several times.

When the police accompanied her to her residence, they discovered the body of the baby lying on the floor, where he was certified dead by the Emergency Medical Services.

The suspect reportedly fled the scene before the police arrived.

Investigations have since revealed that the baby had visible injuries on his head and face, indicative of assault.

Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe condemned the incident, calling it an unimaginable betrayal of parental responsibility and humanity.

“It is deeply distressing and unacceptable that an innocent life has been lost in such a cruel manner. We urge community members to come forward with any information that can help our investigators locate and arrest the suspect so that justice can take its course,” Hadebe said.

A case of murder has been opened, and a manhunt is underway.