Police found the body of a missing four month old baby girl in a shallow grave near the Hennops River in Atteridgeville after the pastor’s wife led them to the site. Image supplied
The missing four month old baby girl has been found dead in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria. Police found the Atteridgeville baby dead in a shallow grave on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. The discovery came hours after she was taken from her mother near the Hennops River.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the news. She said the pastor’s 24 year old wife led investigators to the grave after police found and questioned her. Officers then arrested her.
Meanwhile, police are still searching for the 45 year old pastor. They have opened cases of kidnapping, rape and murder.
How the Atteridgeville baby found dead case unfolded
According to police, the mother travelled to the Hennops River near the R511 road on Wednesday around midday. Her pastor and his wife went with her. The trio had gone there to perform a ritual.
The mother and the couple are not strangers. All three live in Diepsloot and attend the same church. In fact, the mother had known the couple for about three years.
When they arrived, the pastor’s wife reportedly stayed behind with the baby. The pastor and the mother then walked towards the river. There, the pastor allegedly raped the woman and tied her up.
The mother eventually managed to free herself. She then ran to a nearby construction site for help. By that time, the pastor and his wife had disappeared with the baby.
Police deployed a large team to the area. It included crime scene experts, search and rescue officers, detectives and drone operators. In addition, detectives from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit joined the search.
Officers found the baby’s pink school bag a distance away from the scene. A white doek was also left behind. Later, police tracked down the pastor’s wife. She then took them to the shallow grave where they found the baby’s body.
The case has caused deep anger. Commentary across social media platforms has called for swift justice for the baby and her mother. Many users have also questioned how a trusted church leader could allegedly turn on a member of his own congregation.
The pastor’s wife is expected to appear in court soon. Police have not yet released the names of the suspects.