The parents of a four-year-old girl from Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg, are expected to appear in court today following their arrest on charges of attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Four-year-old girl from Eldorado Park on life support after alleged assault
According to ward councillor Juwairiya Kaldene, the child is in critical condition at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. She has reportedly been placed on life support after being severely assaulted, allegedly by her father.
Community members alerted the authorities after hearing screams and suspected abuse coming from a residence in Eldorado Park.
According to Johannesburg District Police Commissioner, Major General Nonhlanhla Khubeka, the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit was called in due to suspicions of child abuse.
“When they visited the crime scene, they searched the house and found clothes that had blood on them,” said Khubeka.
The child’s mother was already at the hospital when the unit arrived.
Police then interviewed the mother, who reportedly confirmed that the father had been physically abusing their two children. This led to both parents being arrested.
Member of Parliament and anti-drug activist Dereleen James visited the family on Thursday evening. Councillor Kaldene also urged residents to unite in prayer for the young girl’s recovery.
“The mother of the child is confused. When is the abuse of women and children ever going to stop? We are asking the community to pray for this little girl,” she said during a radio interview.
The parents are expected to appear in court today, where the charges against them will be officially presented. The case is being closely followed due to its disturbing nature and the child’s critical condition.
This case has reminded many of a similar incident currently before the courts involving Tiffany Meek, who is charged with the death of her 11-year-old son, Jayden-Lee Meek, in a different precinct in Gauteng.
In South Africa, any person who suspects that a child is being abused, neglected or exploited is legally required to report it. You can contact the Department of Social Development’s 24-hour call centre at 0800 428 428 (0800 4 CHILD), or send a ‘please call me’ to *120*7867#. Reporting is confidential, and help is available for victims and whistleblowers.