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Bethlehem police arrest mother, 21, after three-year-old daughter found dead

The child was allegedly strangled in a backroom shack in Voggelfontein, and the mother will face a murder charge in the Bethlehem Magistrate's Court.

Editorial illustration of close overhead shot of a plain wooden magistrate's bench desk in a small south african court office at midday
The South African Enquirer · Illustration

A 21-year-old woman has been arrested in Bethlehem in the Free State after the death of her three-year-old daughter, the South African Police Service said in a statement released by the office of the provincial commissioner.

The child was allegedly strangled on Tuesday night inside a backroom shack at the suspect’s residence in Voggelfontein, near Bethlehem. Police were called to the scene and arrested the mother on arrival.

She was taken for further medical treatment and evaluation after her arrest. She is expected to appear before the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court soon, where she will face a charge of murder.

Bethlehem police are investigating a case of murder. According to the statement, the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation and the motive for the alleged murder has not yet been established.

Anyone with information relating to the case can contact Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring on 082 455 6176.

The account above is drawn from the police media statement, which is a summary of the matter rather than the full case record. Details of the investigation and the court proceedings will be established as the case moves through the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court.

Source: South African Police Service, Young mother arrested following alleged murder of her three-year-old daughter

Topics sapsbethlehemfree-statecrimechildren
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