Eldorado Park Man Charged for Daughter’s Murder, SA Fumes As Little Girl Suffered Severe Injuries
- A 32-year-old Eldorado Park man was arrested and charged with the murder of his daughter
- The little four-year-old girl was found in a shack on a property in Eldorado Park, with severe injuries
- South Africans took to social media to express outrage that another child was abused by a family member
- Dr Shaheda Omar from the Teddy Bear Foundation spoke to Briefly News about why reporting abuse cases
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Outrage is brewing online ahead of the appearance of a 32-year-old man in the Protea Magistrate's Court on attempted murder charges.
The Eldorado Park man is facing murder and child abuse charges. He was arrested after it was found that his daughter was severely injured from constant abuse. The man was apprehended after police received a tip-off about child abuse at a residence in the area.
What happened to the little girl?
According to Gauteng Police Spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, police arrived at a property in Eldorado Park on 6 August 2025, after receiving a complaint about child abuse.
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When they arrived, they were shown to a shack in the backyard that was closed. Inside, they found a man with a little boy and a little girl. Masondo explained that police noticed the four-year-old girl was sleeping on a bed, but had bruises and a swollen eye. She also had injuries on her head. The man told the police that he was the father, but could not explain what had happened to the girl.
“Police arrested the father and rushed the girl to a medical care centre for treatment. The father was later charged with attempted murder and child abuse,” Masondo explained.
After further investigation by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, the mother was also arrested and charged with defeating the ends of justice.
Source: Getty Images
Prior to this appearance in court on 8 August, it was confirmed that the little girl had passed on as a result of her injuries.
Horrific cases involving children are on the rise
The incident sparked outrage as it is the latest in several cases where children have been severely abused or murdered by someone close to them.
On 23 July 2025, Nokuthula Matyesini and Odwa Jack were arrested in connection with the death of Lolitha Kowa.
The seven-year-old was found brutally murdered and raped a day after she was reported missing. The couple, who were close friends of Lolitha’s family, were arrested after sniffer dogs led police to their home. Police found blood in their home and Jack’s taxi.
On 24 July 2025, Amber Lee Hughes confessed to killing Nada-Jane Challita, the daughter of her former lover. The four-year-old was found drowned in a bathtub in January 2023. Hughes was charged with murder and rape, but maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings until she finally confessed.
Experts weigh in on abuse cases
Speaking to Briefly News about the recent incidents, Captain Stander from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, said that members of the public needed to realise that if they are aware of a crime against a minor and fail to report it, they themselves are liable to prosecution."
"See something, say something," she said.
Dr Shaheda Omar from the Teddy Bear Foundation added that the community were often reluctant to report incidents for fear of reprisal.
"What the community fails to recognise and realise, is that they still have a legal mandate to report it if they have any suspicions of inlking that a child is being abused."
How did South Africans react to the latest news?
The news sparked outrage online as social media users questioned how a parent could do that to their own child. Reactions poured in prior to confirmation that the little girl had passed away.
Otshepeng Tshepi Martins said:
“If he did it deliberately, then he deserves life imprisonment. This is women's month, and we don't tolerate child abuse in Mzansi.”
Suleiman Leonard claimed:
“It’s his girlfriend’s daughter. Young women should be careful who they let into their lives, especially when they have children.”
Carmy Langdown exclaimed:
“Oh my word. Lord, this needs to stop. Innocent children are being murdered by their own parents and family. 😭 The death sentence must be brought back.”
Bongiwe Ndindi Mtembu asked:
“How can a father do this to his daughter. His own flesh and blood. What's even worse is that our prisons are a five-star hotel for such people.”
Bra Pat Netho said:
“Devil man. Go to jail, no more bail. Because he will end up killing his daughter.”
Beatrice Leon exclaimed:
“No bail for this animal.”
Lindy B Ladylee Luhabe asked:
“Who will we trust with our kids if people who are supposed to protect them are somehow endangering their lives?”
Jacqueline Steyn questioned:
“What is wrong with these people?”
Parents charged with the murder of their toddler
Briefly News reported that an Ekurhuleni couple was given life imprisonment for the murder of their two-year-old child.
The mother was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and received further sentences for abuse.
The father also received hefty sentences after it was found that the toddler had been abused until she passed away.
Missing Persons Unit slams SAPS for allegedly mistreating Joslin Smith witness
Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that the director and founder of the Western Cape Missing Persons Unit spoke out against the South African Police Service. This was after the police gave an update on the status of Joslin Smith's missing case, over a year after her disappearance. The unit accused the police of not taking a witness seriously who came forward with information that could help find Joslin Smith.
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Source: Briefly News
