Police say a heated argument ensued between the man and his 16-year-old niece on Saturday.

The uncle then proceeded outside and came back with a garden spade in a bid to assault his niece.

However, when he attempted to strike his niece, the spade hit the five-month-old boy, who was on his mother’s back.

"The baby was taken to a local clinic where he was transported to Wolmaransstad Hospital and ultimately transferred to Tshepong Hospital where he died due to head injuries,” said police spokesperson Amanda Funani.

The suspect is facing a charge of murder.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Leeudoringstad Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

Jacaranda News