File
Eastern Cape police have arrested a 49-year-old man for the alleged murder of his three-year-old niece in Bedford last week.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said additional charges could be added after the post-mortem.
She said the incident happened last Thursday when the man took the child from her mother at a tavern and left.
Naidu said the uncle returned later without the child who was later found lying in a street in Ndlovini Location with multiple cuts to the body.
She said the man appeared in court on Monday where he was remanded in custody to 15 July.
Naidu said the child’s mother faces a charge of child neglect.
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nomthethelele Mene, lamented the brutal murder of the child and the fact that the toddler was in a tavern.
“The presence of a young child in a tavern is both concerning and unacceptable.
“We understand that many parents face challenging circumstances, but the safety and security of children must always be a priority.
“Negligence in this duty will not be tolerated,” warned General Mene.
