Police arrest alleged Western Cape baby killer

22 January 2016 - 13:46 By Paul Herman
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A baby's foot. File photo.
A baby's foot. File photo.
Image: Calmtwood/ Flickr.com

A 33-year-old man, who was on the run after allegedly killing his girlfriend’s 7-month-old daughter in Phillipi, has been arrested, Western Cape police said on Friday.

"Kindly be advised that a 33-year old-suspect was arrested yesterday [Thursday]. He is facing charges of murder and assault. The suspect is expected to appear in court on Monday," Constable Noloyiso Rwexanatold told News24 on Friday.

According to the Cape Argus, the boyfriend had made threatening phone calls to the family on Wednesday, since fleeing the scene of the crime earlier this week.

His house was destroyed by members of the Phillipi community on Tuesday and his belongings have been seized.

The baby girl, Inganathi, was allegedly killed by the boyfriend after an argument broke out between him and the girl’s mother, Andisiwe Mnandi, in the early hours of Monday morning.

Her grandmother, Khululwa Ruga, told the Cape Argus that he had called on Thursday from an unknown number to ask about his house and his ID, which he believed had been given to the police, and said he would "be back to open fire on them".

Inganathi's mother said on Tuesday that when she woke up to feed her child at 01:00 earlier this week, an argument had broken out between her and the boyfriend, allegedly over a phone call with another woman, News24 reported.

The man then proceeded to beat her seven-month-old daughter, Inganathi, before flinging her body against the ceiling, walls, and prepaid electricity meter.

He then jumped on her body, despite attempts from Andisiwe’s seven-year-old sister to protect the baby. He then ran away. Inganathi died on the scene.

#JusticeForInganathi

Inganathi’s funeral, meanwhile, will be held on Tuesday.

There were also calls on social media to claim #JusticeForInganathi.

Cape Argus editor Gasant Abarder, who first ran the story, tweeted on Thursday: "This 7-month-old baby girl was brutally murdered. Where's the anger, SA?"

Comedian Siv Ngesi tweeted: “A 7 month cutie pie has become a bloody hashtag! The monster who did this must rot!”

Source: News24

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