By Staff Reporter
MANKWENG– A 35-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly mowing down his ex-girlfriend and her 13-month-old baby girl with a pickup van, killing the toddler and seriously injuring the mother.
The incident took place on Friday night, 26 July 2025, at around 20:05. According to police reports, the mother and child were standing alongside the road waiting for a taxi to Segopye Village, when the suspect—her ex-boyfriend—arrived and started a heated argument with her.
Despite the confrontation, the woman managed to board a taxi with her child. While en route, the taxi driver reportedly informed her that a pickup van was following them closely.
When they got off at Marothi (Makwalaneng) Cross, the suspect allegedly sped up and drove straight into them, hitting both victims and fleeing the scene.
Both the mother and her child were rushed to Mankweng Hospital with serious injuries. Tragically, the 13-month-old girl later died from her injuries. The mother sustained injuries to her leg.
Police launched an immediate manhunt, and the suspect was later arrested. He now faces charges of murder and attempted murder,
Police have confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing, and have condemned the act as a brutal and senseless attack rooted in domestic violence.
Authorities are urging anyone experiencing domestic abuse or threats to seek help and report such incidents before they escalate to tragedy.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 28 July 2025.
