Eastern Cape Police have arrested a 32-year-old woman in connection with the death of her three-year-old daughter in Mbizana.

It’s alleged the suspect placed the child’s body in a suitcase and transported it by taxi 30 kilometers from Mzamba to the Mbizana police station, where she reported the death.

Police spokesperson Majola Nkhohli says the suspect allegedly left her toddler unattended at home in Mzamba on Sunday, while she visited her boyfriend. Upon her return the following day, she claimed to have found the child unresponsive near the door. Instead of seeking immediate medical or police assistance, she allegedly concealed the body in a suitcase and traveled to Mbizana.

She was subsequently arrested after presenting the suitcase at the police station.

Nkhohli says the suspect is scheduled to appear in Mbizana Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, facing charges of culpable homicide, child neglect and defeating the ends of justice.

#sapsEC #SAPS Mbizana arrested a 32yr-old woman in connection with the death of her 3yr-old daughter on Monday, 19/05. She reportedly placed the child’s body in a suitcase and transported it via taxi from Mzamba to the Mbizana police station, covering a distance of approximately… pic.twitter.com/cKG8eSOcdx

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 20, 2025