Self-proclaimed pastor and wife abandon bail bid in baby’s death case

Amanda Manono Mnguni, left, Tsako Angel Makhubela and Pastor Caiphus Mkhawane have appeared in the Atteridgeville Magistrate's Court in connection with the murder of a baby.

Self-proclaimed pastor Caiphus Mkhawane and his wife, Amanda Manono Mnguni, 32, have abandoned their bail applications, while his other wife and Tsako Angel Makhubela, has indicated that she intends to proceed with her bail application in connection with the death of a four-month-old baby.

The baby was murdered after her mother was raped near the Hennops River last week on Wednesday.

The baby’s body was discovered in a shallow grave near the river, close to the R511.

The three accused face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and fraud.

In addition, Mkhawane, 36 and Makhubela, 25, face charges of human trafficking, premeditated murder, rape, two counts of kidnapping, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The State alleges 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.

Gauteng NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said on it is alleged that on October 7, 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.”

She said 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.”

Mahanjana said 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 October 7, 2026 after being identified by the victim.”