A Free State man has been charged with the murder of his six-year-old son after the child’s body was discovered hidden under a bed in the family home.
The grim discovery was made on February 1, 2026, following a community-led search after the child had been reported missing on January 29, 2026.
Child Allegedly Assaulted Before Disappearance
Provincial police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said the child was allegedly assaulted by his father on the day he went missing.
“The father allegedly assaulted the child with a wooden stick in the presence of the grandmother,” Mophiring said.
She explained that the grandmother questioned the father about his actions.
“He reportedly responded that he could do as he pleased with his child. This was the last time the grandmother saw the boy.”
Community Makes Shocking Discovery
Concerned community members launched a search for the missing child. On Sunday, a resident entered the suspect’s home and noticed something unusual in one of the bedrooms.
“The room was unusually dark and clothes were scattered around, which raised suspicion,” Mophiring said.
The community member then used a cellphone torch to look under the bed.
“Upon shining a cellphone light under the bed, the community member made the shocking discovery of the child’s body.”
Police and EMS Respond
Police and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were immediately called to the scene. The child was declared dead upon arrival.
“It was further noted that the boy had sustained bruises to his body,” Mophiring confirmed.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Court Appearance Expected
The father has been formally charged with murder and is expected to appear in the Fouriesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Police investigations are continuing.
