A self-proclaimed pastor and two women described as his wives appeared briefly in the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court today, Monday, 12 October 2026, in connection with the alleged r*pe of a mother and the murder of her four-month-old baby.

Caiphus Mkhawane (36), Tsako Angel Makhubela (25) and Amanda Manono Mnguni (32) face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and fraud.

Mkhawane and Makhubela face additional charges of human trafficking, premeditated murder, r*pe, two counts of kidnapping and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the accused allegedly took out several funeral policies in the mother’s name in August 2026.

On 7 October, Mkhawane and Makhubela allegedly lured the woman and her baby to the Hennops River under the pretence of performing religious rituals to cleanse her of evil spirits and protect her children.

Prosecutors allege that the woman was instructed to undress and was tied up before Makhubela washed her with water from a bucket. Mkhawane then allegedly took her to the river, where he r**ped her, while Makhubela remained with the baby.

The pair allegedly later took the infant into nearby bushes and killed her. The baby’s body was subsequently discovered in a shallow grave.

The mother managed to escape and sought help from nearby construction workers, who alerted police.

Makhubela was arrested on the day of the incident, while Mnguni was arrested later that evening. Mkhawane was apprehended on 10 October after allegedly hiding in a backroom in Diepsloot.

The case was postponed to 16 October for legal aid arrangements and bail investigations. All three accused remain in custody.

Visit MDNtv YouTube Channel for our video content