A 21-year-old woman detained for possession of suspected stolen property linked to a farm murder in Rouxville in the Free State has, according to police, confessed to her involvement in her nephew’s death.

Bloemfontein Courant reports the suspect on Friday revealed, while in custody, that she and her boyfriend had taken the child from Reddersburg to Goedemoed.

During the journey, the boyfriend reportedly assaulted the child multiple times, including kicking him. The suspects then continued their trip, leaving the child unconscious.

The couple wrapped the child in a blue curtain and abandoned him at a farm in the Goedemoed district. Acting on the suspect’s directions, Anti-Gang Unit members located the scene, where the child’s body was found wrapped in the curtain.

Local police spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle said Emergency Medical Services, the Local Criminal Record Centre, Goedemoed detectives, and Forensic Pathology Services were summoned 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,” Earle stated.

The suspect, already facing charges of possessing stolen property, will now face an additional charge of murder.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Motswenyane, praised the efforts of all involved, including the Smithfield CIC, MDOC, Anti-Gang Unit, and supporting teams.

“This case highlights the commitment and professionalism of SAPS members in their pursuit of justice for the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Motswenyane.