Police detectives have made a significant breakthrough in a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) case involving child murder, attempted murder, and perjury. The suspect, Sanele Fakudze (37), a national from the Kingdom of Eswatini, was arrested in connection with the violent crimes that occurred on 27 June 2025.

The victims, a 28-year-old woman and her 4-year-old daughter, were reported missing at the Kanyamazane Police Station after they were last seen entering the suspect’s vehicle. Fakudze is believed to have been the woman’s male friend.

On 28 June, the woman was found unconscious next to a road in Kaapmuiden by community members who immediately called for help. She was rushed to hospital for treatment, and police confirmed her identity as the missing woman.

Tragically, on 03 July, a partially burned body of the young girl was discovered by a farmer in the same area. Authorities confirmed the girl had been abandoned and murdered, leading to an official charge of murder being added to the case.

Following intensive investigation, police located and arrested the suspect on 04 July 2025. He appeared before the Kanyamazane Periodical Court on 07 July, and the case has been postponed to 14 July 2025 for further investigation. Fakudze remains in police custody.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the investigating officers for their swift action and reaffirmed the SAPS’s firm stance on GBVF.

“Police will remain vigilant and decisive in tackling Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. We also urge victims not to withdraw such cases so that we may continue to achieve justice,” said Mkhwanazi.