SAPS Files: Dad charged with murder, body found in ceiling

A 47-year old father has been charged with the murder of his toddler after her lifeless body was found hidden inside the ceiling of his home according to the SAPS. 

The man appeared briefly in the Klerksdorp Magistrates Court on Wednesday. 

North West province SAPS spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said:

“Today’s court appearance comes after the lifeless body of the toddler was found inside the ceiling of his residential home. He was charged for kidnapping and murder of his two-year-old daughter.”

Mamothame said the state alleged that on Thursday 13 May 2021, the Alabama man had gone to his girlfriend’s home at extension 20 in Jouberton and took their daughter without the consent of the mother who was in hospital at the time. 

“The family members who at the time were taking care of the child, assumed he would bring back the child as he usually did. Upon inquiry, he denied taking the child,” Mamothame said.

“On 14 May 2021 when the mother got discharged from hospital, she went on a search for the baby with the help of family members but they could not find her. The following day, she went to Jouberton Police Station where a case of a missing person was opened,” he said.

Further police investigation led to the arrest of the father on Sunday 16 May 2021. He was charged with kidnapping after failing to tell the police where the child was. 

Mamothame said that neighbours had allegedly noticed a stench coming from the man’s house and they investigated and allegedly discovered the child’s lifeless body hidden inside the ceiling of his home on 17 May.

“The police were called and a murder charge was added. The accused abandoned his bail application and will remain in police custody until his next court appearance,” he said.

The matter was postponed until 1 July for further SAPS investigation.