THE 33-year-old man suspected of brutally killing his two-year-old daughter on Sunday night, handed himself over to the police on Monday.
It is alleged that the man, who hails from Shotong village, went to his 23-year-old girlfriend’s house in the neighbouring Madibeng village in Bolobedu on Sunday night at 20:40.
According to provincial police spokesperson, Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi, an argument ensued between the suspect and his girlfriend’s 42-year-old father.
“The suspect produced a knife and stabbed his girlfriend and her father several times each. The two victims fled the scene with stab wounds, leaving the toddler in the house,” Mulaudzi explained.
“The suspect then vented his anger on his small daughter by bashing her against the wall several times before setting the house alight, leaving the child inside.
“The little girl suffered serious burn wounds and was certified dead on arrival at Ga-Kgapane Hospital,” Mulaudzi said.
Provincial police commissioner, Lt Genl Fannie Masemola, said he was dismayed at the brutal killing of an innocent child, allegedly by a parent.
“This disturbing trend of people venting their anger on innocent children has to end.
“Had the suspect not handed himself over, I would have used all the resources available at my disposal and exhausted all avenues to bring the suspect to book,” he said.
At the time of going to print, the suspect was due to appear before the Bolobedu magistrate’s court on charges of murder, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm and arson.
