PASTOR AND TWO WOMEN APPEAR IN COURT ON GBV-RELATED CHARGES

Pastor Caiphus Mkhawane (36), together with Tsako Angel Makhubela (25) and Amanda Manono Mnguni (32), appeared briefly before the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court on a range of serious charges arising from an incident allegedly committed against a woman and her four-month-old child.

All three accused face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and fraud. In addition, Mkhawane and Makhubela face charges of human trafficking, premeditated murder, rape, two counts of kidnapping, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

It is alleged that during August 2026, the accused took out several funeral policies in the name of the victim, who is the mother of the deceased infant.

On 07 October 2026 it is alleged that Mkhawane, Makhubela, and the victim travelled to the Hennops River under the pretext of performing religious rituals intended to free the victim from evil spirits and provide protection for her children. Upon their arrival at an area near the river, the two instructed the victim to undress, tied her up and Makhubela allegedly washed her using water from a bucket. Thereafter the pastor went with the victim to the river leaving the child with Makhubela. When they arrived at the river it is alleged that the pastor washed the victim again and raped her. After the rape, the pastor went to take the child from the wife and they both went to the bushes where they killed the child

The victim allegedly managed to escape and reported the incident to nearby construction workers, who assisted in contacting the police.

Following an investigation by the Erasmia detectives, Makhubela was arrested on 07 October 2026 after being identified by the victim. Mnguni was arrested later the same day, while Mkhawane was arrested on 10 October 2026.

In court, the matter was postponed to 16 October 2026 for legal aid representation and bail investigations.

The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence and related offences are held accountable through the criminal justice system.

Issued by:

Lumka Mahanjana

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Pretoria