NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has expressed her shock after a 16 year-old girl was arrested by police in Calcutta, yesterday, 02 June 2022 in connection with the murder of her two week old baby.

According to the information, the baby’s grandmother was asleep when she woke up and discovered that the baby was missing, in the early hours of 02 June 2022. She then searched for her but couldn’t find her. She also asked the baby’s mother about the child’s whereabouts but she apparently refused to speak.

The grandmother then reported the matter to the police who upon arrival questioned the baby’s mother, she admitted that she killed the baby and stuffed her body in a school bag. She also led the police to the room where she hid the said bag and was then arrested thereafter.

The suspect is expected to appear in court soon.

The Provincial Commissioner, has described the incident as tragic and unfortunate. She further advises young mothers to seek assistance from relevant organisations to lessen the burden in order prevent such tragic incidents.

Source: South African Police Service