An 18-year-old father from Jimmy Jones village in Limpopo has been arrested for the brutal killing of his 5-month-old son following a domestic dispute with the child’s mother.
According to police, the incident occurred on Tuesday morning, October 7, around 07:40, when an argument between the young couple turned violent. The suspect allegedly assaulted both his girlfriend and their infant child before fleeing the scene.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the baby’s mother ran to the Malamulele Police Station to report the assault and seek help. She told officers that her boyfriend had previously abused both her and their child on several occasions.
“While reporting the incident, she informed police that the suspect had also physically assaulted their baby several times. Fearing for her safety, the woman fled from the house, leaving the child behind with the suspect,” Ledwaba said.
Police officers immediately accompanied the distressed mother back to her home, where they discovered a horrifying scene — the lifeless body of the 5-month-old baby lying on the floor.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to the scene but could only confirm that the infant had died from his injuries. Preliminary investigations revealed that the baby had multiple wounds to the head and face, consistent with severe physical assault.
By the time authorities arrived, the suspect had fled, prompting a province-wide manhunt. Detectives later traced and arrested him around 22:00 that same night.
Ledwaba confirmed that the suspect faces a charge of murder and is expected to appear before the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, October 9.
Police Condemn the Tragedy
Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed outrage at the incident, describing it as a heartbreaking act of violence that no child should ever endure.
“This is a deeply tragic and senseless act. No child deserves to suffer such brutality. We commend the detectives for their swift and committed response in ensuring the suspect was brought to justice,” said Hadebe.
She further urged communities to report cases of domestic abuse and child endangerment before they escalate into tragedy.
Call to Action / Human Interest Note
Police have once again appealed to community members to seek help through social services, police stations, or crisis hotlines when faced with domestic violence, stressing that early intervention can save lives.
