THE Tzaneen police discovered the lifeless body of 20-month-old toddler, Xitsunduxo Baloyi, in a pit toilet in Mbekwana village, Letsitele on Sunday.
Provincial police spokes-person, Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi, said the girl’s body was found by the police in a pit toilet after she was allegedly also strangled by her 20-year-old mother, Christina Makhanani Baloyi.
“The police were alerted by community members on Thursday night, after hearing the screams of the baby, which were coming from the pit toilet,” Mulaudzi explained. He said they were too late to save the child’s life.
“The baby’s mother was arrested on the spot and will appear in court on a charge of murder,” he added. “The police strongly condemn crimes against women and children.
“The government and other non-government organisations have enough resources to assist people when they need help.
“We would like to convey our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families who have been affected by this tragedy,” Mulaudzi concluded.
Baloyi appeared briefly before the Ritavi magistrate’s court on Monday.
She will remain in custody until she appears again on Friday.
