Pastor arrested in Diepsloot in connection with infant’s murder

A 36-year-old pastor wanted in connection with the murder of a four-month-old baby and the alleged rape of her 43-year-old mother has been arrested in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg.

The infant’s body was found buried in a shallow grave near the Hennops River earlier this week.

The arrest brings to three the number of suspects in custody, including the pastor’s two wives.

Police say the suspect was arrested in a backroom in Diepsloot informal settlement this afternoon, following an intensive investigation involving detectives and crime Intelligence.

He was reportedly found with injuries.

The incident is alleged to have occurred when the mother went to the Hennops River near the R511 with the pastor and one of his wives for a ritual.

Police say the woman was allegedly raped and tied up but managed to escape and seek help at a nearby construction site.

The pastor’s 24-year-old wife later led police to the shallow grave where the baby’s body was discovered.

The pastor is expected to appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Police investigations continue.