A 37-year-old South African man, Hugo Ferreira, has pleaded guilty to the rape and brutal murder of his eight-day-old daughter in a case that has left the nation in shock.
Ferreira appeared in the Pretoria High Court on March 25, 2025, where he admitted to his horrific actions. His sentencing is scheduled for next Thursday.
The tragedy unfolded on June 8, 2023, when Ferreira was left alone to care for his infant daughter, while her mother, Maureen Brand, went to sell clothes to buy nappies.
When Brand returned later that day, she found her baby seriously injured after being physically and sexually assaulted.
The child was rushed to Carletonville Hospital but tragically passed away the next day from head injuries. In his plea, Ferreira confessed that he had been frustrated when the baby continued to cry, needing her nappy changed and being hungry.
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He admitted to becoming enraged and striking the child repeatedly while changing her nappy, causing her head to hit the surface.
Ferreira went on to explain that, in his anger, he then sexually assaulted his baby. He realized the severity of the injuries but delayed seeking help, fearing that the mother would notice something was wrong.
Ferreira acknowledged that even though he was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time, his drug use did not excuse his actions.
The case has deeply shaken the community, with many unable to comprehend the cruelty of such a crime. Captain Jacques Nagel of Carletonville Detectives was in charge of the investigation.
The state and defense concluded their arguments in court on Tuesday, and Ferreira is set to be sentenced next week Thursday.
