Cape Town – Police in Botsalano, Morokweng, North West, are investigating a murder case involving the death of a 10-month-old baby girl.
The child’s body, showing head injuries and bruises, was discovered on Friday.
“Initial reports suggest that the baby’s mother left her in the care of a friend on Thursday, January 18,” police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said.
Later that evening, at approximately 8 pm, the 11-year-old son of the neighbour reportedly visited the residence where the 10-month-old baby was being looked after by the mother’s friend.
The boy claimed to have been sent by the baby’s grandmother to pick up the child that evening.
The following morning, the baby was found dead in the friend’s yard, prompting the police to be called to the scene.
“Sadly, the baby was found dead by the friend in her yard the next morning (on Friday) and the police were immediately called to the scene. Emergency and medical rescue services declared the baby dead on the scene,” said Myburgh.
She added: “The 11-year-old boy, who is currently kept under the supervision of his parents, will be evaluated by a social worker. He will be dealt with in accordance with the Child Justice Act, 2008.”
A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of the baby’s death.
North West police commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, expressed sadness over the incident and urged the community to allow the police to investigate for justice to be served.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu