A 22-year-old man has been arrested by Limpopo police for the brutal killing of his 1-year-old cousin at Zuma View Bela Bela in the Waterberg district on Sunday.

SAPS provincial spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said the suspect allegedly strangled the toddler to death in his sleep. "According to reports, the baby's mother was outside the room, while the toddler was inside sleeping when the suspect entered the room and strangled him. He added that the grandfather of the toddler was called for help when the mother of the toddler found her nephew strangling the child. "He pushed the suspect away, and the child was taken to the nearest hospital for medical attention but was later pronounced dead," said Ledwaba.

The Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, condemned the incident and urged parents to ensure that their children are protected at all times. "Please be mindful of who you keep around your children, because if someone has a problem with you, they are likely to target your kids as revenge," Hadebe said. Ledwaba said the suspect will appear before the Bela Bela Magistrates Court on charges of murder, and police investigations are ongoing.