WESTERN CAPE – Concerted efforts by police to eradicate gender based violence and femicide (GBVF) as well as crimes against children led to the arrest of a 31-year-old woman from George who is expected to make her first court appearance in the George Magistrates’ court on Tuesday, 03 January 2022 in connection with the assault of a toddler.
Investigation reveals that on Tuesday, 27 December 2022 the mother of the two year old boy left him in the care of relatives at Rosedale near Pacaltsdorp in George. On her return she noticed injuries to his face and took him for medical treatment to the local hospital. Medical personnel later summoned police and who then found the victim with injuries to his face and an open wound and bruises around the eyes inflicted with an unknown object.
Detectives attached to the George Family violence, Child protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit arrested the suspect, the mother’s relative, on Thursday 29 December on a charge of child abuse. The suspect remains in police custody. She is expected to make her first court appearance on Tuesday 3 January 2023 on the mentioned charge.
Meanwhile, Oudtshoorn Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit arrested a 31-year-old man on Monday, 26 December 2022 on a charge of assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm and child abuse.
It is alleged that the suspect assaulted his one year old boy on Saturday, 24 December 2022 at Heideblom Lane, Bridgeton in Oudtshoorn.
The accused made his first court appearance on Wednesday, 28 December 2022 on the mentioned charge. The case was postponed to 04 January 2022 for further investigation. He was remanded in custody.
A video of the incident has been shared on various social media platforms. The public is also urged to refrain from circulating the video in the interest to protect the identity of the victim.
Western Cape police management warned those who threatens the safety of children that they will face the full might of the law once arrested.
Source: South African Police Service