A 59-year-old childminder on Saturday was arrested in Jeffreys Bay, after a two-year-old girl was found with open wounds to her upper body in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
According to Eastern Cape police, they were called to a house in Govan Mbeki Street in the Tokyo Sexwale area in the early hours of Thursday morning (4am) after a complaint about an injured toddler.
When police arrived, they found the girl with wounds to her upper body.
According to police, it’s unclear how the child sustained the injuries as the female childminder was reportedly under the influence of alcohol.
Child Neglect Incident in Humansdorp: Investigation Underway
The child was taken to hospital, where she was admitted for medical treatment.
The woman has been charged with child neglect and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
The woman is expected to appear in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Acting Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, condemned the incident.
“It is deeply concerning that priority was allegedly given to entertainment and liquor over the safety of a helpless child,” Kupiso said. She confirmed that the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) would conduct a thorough investigation, working closely with the Department of Social Development.
Police have not released further details about the child’s condition, but said her welfare remains a priority as investigations continue.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact the police.
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