Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

The mother of a Limpopo child who was allegedly strangled to death by an unknown man is living in fear of also being killed by her daughter's killer.

Jackinah Mothiba of Extension 44 in Zone 1 Seshego, outside Polokwane, has pleaded with the police to guard her family after her daughter was strangled to death last week.

A man who allegedly pretended to be a lawyer to gain entry into the house on Friday is alleged to have strangled the Mothiba's daughter.

Police said the man had told Mothiba that he wanted to represent her in her maintenance case in Polokwane next month over the dead child, whose father had denied fathering her. They were supposed to undergo a blood test.

"The man had asked to use her toilet. When he got out of the toilet, he attacked Mothiba," Police said.

"The man struck her with an iron rod on her back and she lost consciousness.

"When she regained consciousness, the man was gone.

"Her daughter Refentse who was sleeping in the bedroom was found wrapped up in a pillow in the dining room - unconscious.

"The child was rushed to Seshego Hospital were she was certified dead on arrival."

Speaking to Sowetan yesterday, a tearful Mothiba said: "The father of my baby, who works in North West, did not even bother to call or attend the funeral. He only sent me an SMS."

Mothiba said the baby's father denied being the father soon after the baby was born.

"He accused me of infidelity during pregnancy. Now I always live in fear of my life."

Mothiba pleaded with the police to patrol her house because "my life is in danger".

Polokwane police spokesman Inspector Lesiba Ramoshaba said police were investigating a case of murder.

"We appeal to the local community to help us with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect," said Ramoshaba.