South African man rapes, murders 8-day-old daughter while wife out to buy nappies

The horrific incident took place when the infant's mother, Maureen Brand, reportedly left the baby alone with Ferreira to sell clothes to buy nappies.

Updated on: Mar 31, 2025, 16:51:06 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A 37-year-old South African man recently confessed to reportedly raping and murdering his 8-day-old daughter "in order to cause the baby pain." The man subjected the child to brutal torture, which led to her death.

Hugo Ferreira reportedly subjected the infant to extreme physical and sexual abuse. (X (@SeeRacists))

While committing the crime, which was motivated by anger and a desire to hurt the baby, Hugo Ferreira subjected the infant to extreme physical and sexual abuse at their home in June 2023, South African news website News24 reported.

The torture resulted in her death from severe head injuries.

The horrific incident took place when the infant's mother, Maureen Brand, reportedly left the baby alone with Ferreira to sell clothes to buy nappies.

Also Read | Panchkula: Rape complainant’s press meet stalled midway, cops serve notice

On her return, Brand found the baby fatally injured, having endured physical and sexual abuse. She was rushed to the nearby hospital, but she died of her injuries, the report further stated.

What did Ferreira say about his ghastly actions?

During the interrogation, Ferreira explained his intentions behind the horrific act and said he wanted to give the infant "something to cry about" indicating that his actions were driven by the desire to hurt the baby.

In his plea, he further said that he was "unhappy" at being left alone with the baby.

The man further revealed that he had ordered Maureen to return within five minutes to breastfeed the infant and became angry when she didn't.

Also Read | Woman abducted, gang-raped and shot at in UP’s Bareilly; FIR lodged

The girl then began crying, which enraged him further. He said, "I grabbed the baby hard at the back of her neck and hit her repeatedly," the publication reported.

"In the process, I pushed her head against the surface on which I was working.

"I accept that it was a cruel and gruesome attack, especially on such a young baby. The action was illegal, and I did it with intent."

Also Read | ‘He can do anything to our family’: Rape survivor's father on fresh bail for Asaram Bapu

The man also hid the baby's injuries from the mother, knowing the severity of her condition, and continued his brutal assault, fully aware of the risk of death.

The accused awaits his sentencing for the crime committed in a railway house near Welverdiend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.