Pastor and wife abandon bail in murder and human trafficking case

Pastor Caiphus Mkhawane, 36, and his wife, Amanda Manono Mnguni, 32, have abandoned their bail applications in the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court, while their co-accused, Tsako Angel Makhubela, 25, intends to apply for bail.

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

In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the accused allegedly took out several funeral policies in August 2026 in the name of the victim, who is the mother of the deceased infant.

The NPA alleges that on 7 October 2026, Mkhawane, Makhubela and the victim travelled to the Hennops River under the pretext of performing religious rituals to free the woman from evil spirits and protect her children.

Upon arrival near the river, the two allegedly instructed the victim to undress, tied her up and washed her with water from a bucket.

Mkhawane allegedly took the victim to the river, leaving the child with Makhubela. At the river, he allegedly washed the woman again before raping her.

After the alleged rape, Mkhawane returned to fetch the child from his wife. The two then allegedly went into the bushes, where they killed the infant.

The victim reportedly managed to escape and alerted nearby construction workers, who assisted her in contacting the police.

Following an investigation by Erasmia detectives, Makhubela was arrested on 7 October after being identified by the victim. Mnguni was arrested later that day, while Mkhawane was arrested on 10 October.

During their latest court appearance, Mkhawane and Mnguni abandoned their bail applications, while Makhubela indicated that she intended to proceed with hers.

The matter was postponed to 23 October 2026 to allow Makhubela to consult with her legal representative regarding her bail application.

The NPA said it remained committed to prosecuting gender-based violence and femicide, human trafficking and other serious violent crimes.

The authority said it would continue to prosecute cases supported by sufficient evidence and pursue justice without fear, favour or prejudice.