A South African man, Ethan Watson, has been arrested for the rape and murder of his 4-year-old daughter, Nikita, in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg. The shocking case has also led to the arrest of the child’s mother, who allegedly failed to report the abuse.
The couple appeared before the Protea Magistrates’ Court in Soweto on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. The father faces charges of murder, rape, compelled rape, child abuse, and assault, while the mother has been charged separately with failing to immediately report a sexual offence against a minor.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, police responded on August 6 to a complaint that the father was physically assaulting his child. On arrival, officers were directed to a closed backyard shack, where they found a man with two children — a boy and a girl.
The little girl was discovered lying on a bed with head injuries, bruises, and swollen eyes. Unable to explain her condition, the father was arrested, and the child was rushed to a nearby medical facility. She died from her injuries on August 8.
“The father was arrested on Wednesday, 06 August 2025, following a report to the Eldorado Park South African Police Service (SAPS) after a video in which the child can be heard screaming as he is assaulted went viral,” Mjonondwane stated.
Further investigation revealed the mother allegedly knew of the sexual abuse but failed to alert authorities, as required by the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act 32 of 2007.
A neighbour reportedly witnessed part of the assault, recorded it, and shared the footage, prompting police intervention. Both parents remain in custody and are expected to apply for bail on August 18.
“The recent spike in parents facing allegations of killing and abusing their children is of grave concern to the NPA, and we remain resolute in our efforts to promote children’s rights and safety. Our children are dependent on us to be their voice, and we will stop at nothing to ensure that justice prevails,” Mjonondwane added.
