Police have initiated a murder investigation following a tragic incident at the Modder River in N Section that resulted in the deaths of a 30-year-old man and a one-year-old infant.
According to police reports, the incident began on Monday, 23 February 2026, at approximately 12:50. It is alleged that a 30-year-old male resident of N Section was involved in a heated argument with his mother. During the dispute, the suspect reportedly took a one-year-old baby whom his mother was babysitting and fled towards the nearby Modder River.
Witnesses state that the suspect entered the deep water with the child, leading to the drowning of both individuals.
A search and rescue operation was launched immediately and continued from 23 February to 26 February 2026. Due to river conditions, the bodies were not initially located.
On 26 February 2026, at approximately 18:20, community members alerted police to an adult body floating in the Klein Modder River at N Section. The body was recovered and positively identified as the 30-year-old suspect.
The SAPS Diving Unit continued searching for the missing infant. On 5 March 2026 at 12:10, the body of the one-year-old infant was located and retrieved from the water.
Although the suspect is deceased, the SAPS at Boithuso Police Station will proceed with the formal process of charging the 30-year-old with murder. Authorities stated this is standard procedure to ensure the investigation is officially concluded.
SAPS management has extended condolences to the family of the infant and the affected community. Police also thanked community members for their assistance in alerting authorities when the first body was discovered.