Self-proclaimed Pastor and Wives Back In Court For Murder and Rape
Self-proclaimed pastor Caiphus Mkhawane and his two wives are expected back in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Friday, facing charges linked to the alleged rape of a 43-year-old woman and the premeditated murder of her four-month-old baby.
The case, which has shocked the nation, centres on allegations that the woman was lured to the Hennops River under the guise of a spiritual ritual, where she was allegedly raped and bound while her baby was taken and killed.
THE ALLEGED ORDEAL
According to police, the 43-year-old mother accompanied Mkhawane and one of his wives to the Hennops River on 4 October 2026 for what was described as a ritual.
While there, she was allegedly raped by Mkhawane and tied up. She managed to escape and sought help, but her four-month-old baby was gone.
The infant’s body was later discovered in a shallow grave. Police initially opened cases of kidnapping and rape, but the charges were upgraded to premeditated murder after the discovery of the body.
THE ALLEGED MOTIVE: FUNERAL POLICY FRAUD
Multiple reports indicate that investigators are pursuing a chilling motive: that the baby was killed to claim a funeral policy payout.
The exact value of the policy has not been disclosed. Police have not officially confirmed the motive, but sources close to the investigation say the funeral policy is a central line of inquiry.
If confirmed, the case would represent a disturbing escalation from a violent crime to an alleged premeditated scheme to profit from a child’s death.
THE ACCUSED
Caiphus Mkhawane – The self-proclaimed pastor is believed to be the main accused. He was arrested in Diepsloot on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
Two wives – Mkhawane’s two wives were arrested earlier and appeared in court on 9 October 2026. Their exact charges have not been fully disclosed, but they are expected to include rape, premeditated murder, kidnapping and possibly insurance fraud.
The three appeared together in court on 12 October, when the case was postponed to 23 October for further investigation. The National Prosecuting Authority has indicated it will oppose bail.
COMMUNITY REACTS WITH SHOCK AND ANGER
Residents of Diepsloot have expressed shock and anger at the allegations against a man who positioned himself as a spiritual leader.
“He called himself a pastor. People trusted him. Now we know what he did; he used faith to harm the most vulnerable,” said a Diepsloot resident who asked not to be named.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi previously welcomed Mkhawane’s arrest, describing it as “an important step” towards justice. His office has been monitoring the case closely given its sensitivity and the involvement of a religious leader.
A PATTERN OF ABUSE IN RELIGIOUS SETTINGS
The case is the latest in a series of incidents in which religious leaders have been accused of abusing their positions of trust.
The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) has repeatedly called for greater regulation of religious institutions, arguing that the absence of oversight creates conditions where abuse can flourish.
WHERE TO GET HELP
The Soweto Bulletin reminds readers that help is available for survivors of gender-based violence and abuse:
- GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428 (toll-free)
- SAPS Emergency: 10111
- Stop Gender Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150
- Lifeline SA: 0861 322 322
- Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
