The gruesome discovery of a toddler’s chopped up body in a sports bag near a filling station outside Polokwane, has police pleading with the public to assist with information to help solve the murder and arrest those responsible for the heinous act.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, says the toddler’s body was discovered on May 19 at around 07:30 after a passer-by alerted police of an abandoned bag next to the N1, south of Polokwane in the Westenburg policing area.

“On arrival, police found a toddler’s mutilated body in the bag. The child was wearing a blue tracksuit with white stripes and a pair of black shoes,” he explains.

Mojapelo says a pink baby blanket, a towel and a blue and white sarong were also found.

“Preliminary police investigations are that the deceased was chopped up with an unknown object before he was put inside the bag.

“The child had a bandage wrapped around his left leg and left arm and was already in a state of decomposition.”

Mojapelo says the child is estimated to be between two- and three-years-old.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has urged residents to assist the police in tracking down those responsible for the toddler’s murder.

“Please assist the investigators in tracking down the heartless perpetrators of this horrendous crime and also in the identification of the deceased as well as locating the parents,” she asks.

Mojapelo says those with information can contact Warrant Officer Patrick Pila on 082 759 5001, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or their nearest police station.