JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (BN24) — A 30-year-old man, Ethan Watson, has been arrested in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, for the alleged rape and murder of his 4-year-old daughter, Nikita. The child’s mother was also arrested in connection with the case.
Both parents appeared Tuesday before the Protea Magistrates’ Court in Soweto. Watson was charged with murder, rape, compelled rape, child abuse and assault. The mother was charged separately with failing to immediately report a sexual offence against a minor, in terms of the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act 32 of 2007.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, police responded on Aug. 6 to reports of a man physically assaulting his child. On arrival, officers were directed to a backyard shack, where they found a man with a young boy and girl. The girl was found lying on a bed with head injuries, bruises and swollen eyes.
The suspect, who identified himself as the children’s father, could not give a clear account of what happened. He was arrested at the scene, and the child was rushed to a nearby clinic. She died from her injuries on Aug. 8.
Investigators allege the girl had been sexually assaulted prior to her death. The mother was later arrested after police determined she had knowledge of the abuse but failed to alert authorities.
A neighbour reportedly recorded a video of the assault after hearing the child scream. The footage, which showed Watson allegedly beating the girl, went viral and led to police intervention.
Both parents have been remanded in custody until Aug. 18, when they are expected to apply for bail.
“The recent spike in parents facing allegations of killing and abusing their children is of grave concern to the NPA,” Mjonondwane said. “Our children are dependent on us to be their voice, and we will stop at nothing to ensure that justice prevails.”
