Mom arrested after baby’s body found

A KHAYELITSHA woman has been arrested after the body of her infant was found buried in a shallow grave next to her shack.

She was apparently arrested in front of residents gathered at a scene where a young man had allegedly stabbed his mother to death at the weekend.

Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said the 29-year-old mother was expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court today.

The child's body was discovered next to a shack. Residents said police were led by a smell to the discovery of the infant in a hole wrapped in plastic bags and blankets.

This was when officers were called to the stabbing incident.

A resident who asked that her name be withheld said the woman was seen digging a hole, but neighbours assumed she was trying to prevent water from entering her house.

Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali has appealed for justice to be served for the victims.

Police also arrested and detained the 22-year-old who allegedly stabbed his mother to death.

Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the arrest.

“Upon arrival of police members at the scene in Msendisi Temporals on Saturday at about 9.30am, they found the body of a 48-year-old female that sustained multiple stab wounds. The victim was declared deceased on the scene. Once charged, (the suspect) is expected to make a court appearance in the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court on the mentioned charge,” said Swartbooi.

A relative told the Cape Times that residents attempted to help when they heard a commotion in the house.

“The younger brother came into (our) house crying to report the matter after 8am. I then immediately (went there). When I arrived, my brother was carrying a big knife,” said the relative. “Other people were coming to assist because they could hear that we were shouting for help, but still he would not let anyone come (close) as he was carrying the knife. People were trying to forcefully break into the house to help.

“He managed to escape from the people and he ran to the main road … people managed to apprehend him and by that time police were already on the scene then he was arrested,” she said.