Thanks to the assistance of Vereeniging residents, a 28-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with murder.

Her arrest follows the discovery of a one-year-old child’s body in an open veld near an old hospital on Tuesday.

It is said that the child’s mother left her three children with the suspect, who is reportedly a friend of the mother. They had an arrangement that the latter would look after the kids (aged four, three and one, respectively) while the mother is away for work.

When the mother returned after a week, she only found two of her kids with her friend and when she enquired about the youngest’s whereabouts, she was apparently sent her from pillar to post.

The mother then started doing her own investigations and with the community’s help, they began looking for the child.

The child’s body, covered with plastic, was found in an open veld not far from where the suspect resides. Paramedics certified the boy dead.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Gertrude Makhale says that at about 16:30 on Tuesday, the Vereeniging police were called by angry community members who had made a citizen’s arrest. The woman was placed under arrest with no injuries.

“Acting district commissioner Brigadier Nkwashu has condemned the incident. Brigadier Nkwashu sensitised mothers/parents to protect their children and ensure that where they leave their kids, is safe at all times. It’s our duty as parents to protect the kids and provide shelter for them,” Makhale added.

The police have opened a case of murder and the suspect will appear before the court soon.