KwaMhlanga – A 24-year-old man accused of the murder of his two-year-old niece has been remanded in custody by the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga.
Petros Makua, who appeared in court on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, allegedly slit the infant’s throat with a knife.
The horror attack occurred at their shared home in Phola Park, near KwaMhlanga, on Sunday night, 1 February 2026, which incidentally coincided with the full moon associated with various myths and superstitions, often linking it to evil forces and supernatural occurrences.
Police Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the toddler was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane said the motive for the brutal attack on the two-year-old girl was unknown and remained a subject of further investigation.
“It is alleged that the child’s uncle attacked her before fleeing the scene without saying anything,” the police spokesperson said.
“According to preliminary information, three children aged between two and six were playing outside when the suspect emerged from the house carrying a knife.
“Without uttering a word, he allegedly grabbed his two-year-old niece, forced her to the ground, and inflicted a fatal injury to her neck before leaving the scene.
“The other two children ran into the house to report the incident.
“The injured child was rushed to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.”
Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane said the suspect, who was wanted, turned himself in at the KwaMhlanga Police Station on Monday, 2 February 2026.
The accused was brought before the court, where he was remanded in custody.
The case was adjourned to next week, Thursday, 12 February 2026.
