A 21-year-old man accused of murdering a three-year-old girl in Driekoppies, Schoemansdal, briefly appeared before the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

According to police, the tragic incident happened on 05 May 2026 at about 13:30. The child’s mother, who works as a domestic worker at the residence, allegedly left her daughter sleeping on a couch while carrying out her duties.

Police said the mother later became concerned after she could not find the child. The suspect allegedly directed her to the garage, where she found the toddler’s lifeless body with head injuries.

Emergency Medical Services and police responded to the scene, where the child was declared dead.

It is further alleged that when questioned, the suspect claimed he was angry because the child’s mother had not cleaned the house properly.

The suspect, identified as Ziyalo Lubisi, was arrested shortly after the incident. He reportedly lives at the property with his grandmother, who employs the victim’s mother.

The case was postponed to 14 May 2026 for a formal bail application.