Hugo Ferreira pleaded guilty to the rape and murder of his eight-day-old daughter while her mother was away. He recounted his horrifying actions in court and admitted to the intent behind the crime. Ferreira, under the influence of methamphetamine, faces sentencing next week.
Hugo Ferreira, a 37-year-old man from South Africa, has pleaded guilty to the horrific rape and murder of his eight-day-old daughter. The confession was made in the Pretoria High Court and pertained to actions taken on June 8, 2023, while the infant was left under his care by her mother, Maureen Brand, who was out running errands. The tragedy unfolded in Welverdiend, near Johannesburg.
In his plea statement, Ferreira recounted how he became enraged when the infant cried due to hunger and a soiled nappy. He admitted, “I grabbed the baby hard at the back of her neck and hit her buttocks repeatedly. In the process, I pushed her head against the surface on which I was working.” His disturbing motivation for sexually assaulting his daughter was to “give her something to cry about.”
Brand discovered her baby in critical condition when she returned home, with Ferreira attempting to obscure the severity of the injuries. Medical assistance was delayed, and the infant succumbed to her injuries the following day after being taken to a hospital.
Ferreira claimed he was under the influence of methamphetamine during the incident but insisted that his drug use did not compromise his awareness of the gravity of his actions. He acknowledged the cruelty of his actions: “I knew that my actions were wrong and that the baby could die, yet I continued,” he stated, recognizing the legality and intent in his heinous attack. Sentencing is scheduled for next week.
In summary, Hugo Ferreira has admitted to committing a brutal crime against his eight-day-old daughter, resulting in her tragic death. Despite his claims of drug influence, Ferreira acknowledges his responsibility for his actions. The case highlights significant issues regarding child safety and the consequences of violence within familial contexts.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
