A 21-year-old woman arrested for possession of suspected stolen property linked to a farm murder in Rouxville in the Free State has confessed to her involvement in the death of her cousin, according to police.
Bloemfontein Courant reports The suspect announced on Friday while in custody that she and her boyfriend had taken the child from Reddersburg to Goedemoed.
During the trip, the friend allegedly abused the child several times, including kicking him. The suspects then continued their journey, leaving the child unconscious.
The couple wrapped the child in a blue curtain and left him on a farm in the Goedemoed district. At the suspect’s direction, members of the Anti-Gang Unit located where the child’s body was found wrapped in the curtain.
Local police spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle said emergency medical services, local criminal records, Goedemoed detectives and forensic pathology services had been called to the scene.
“The two-year-old boy was confirmed deceased, and preliminary examinations revealed extensive bruising across his upper and lower body. Through further investigation, the biological mother of the deceased child was traced to Reddersburg,” said Earle.
The suspect, who was already charged with possessing stolen property, will now face an additional murder charge.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Motswenyane, commended the efforts of all involved, including the Smithfield CIC, MDOC, Anti-Gang Unit and support teams.
“This case highlights the commitment and professionalism of SAPS members in their pursuit of justice for the most vulnerable members of our society,” Motswenyane said.
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Ruan de Ridder
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