Diepsloot Pastor Arrested After Baby Found Buried, Mother Allegedly R*ped
A 36-year-old alleged pastor (pictures) has been arrested in Diepsloot in connection with the murder of a four-month-old baby and the alleged r*pe of the child’s 43-year-old mother.
Police confirmed the arrest today, Saturday, 10 October 2026, following an investigation involving detectives and Crime Intelligence. The suspect was found hiding in a backroom in an informal settlement, with injuries.
His arrest brings the total number of suspects in custody to three. The pastor’s two wives appeared before the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 9 October. He is expected to appear in court on Monday, 12 October.
The incident allegedly occurred on Wednesday, 7 October, near the Hennops River along the R511. The mother, identified as Precilla Rapela, reportedly travelled with the pastor and his 24-year-old wife for a cleansing or spiritual ritual. They attended the same church in Diepsloot.
Police allege the pastor tied up and r*ped the woman before she managed to escape and seek help at a nearby construction site.
A search team was deployed, and the pastor’s wife was questioned. She led investigators to a shallow grave where the baby’s body was found covered with leaves shortly after 19:00 that evening.
Cases of kidnapping, rape and murder were opened. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi condemned the incident as a “savage act of barbarism” and called for those responsible to face the full force of the law.
The investigation continues.
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