Free State – A 31-year-old mother has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, after being convicted of assaulting her eight-year-old daughter in Phuthaditjhaba.
The sentence was handed down by the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates’ Court following a case investigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Phuthaditjhaba Family, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
According to SAPS, the incident occurred on 7 August 2025, after the Department of Social Development received a complaint concerning the alleged abuse of the child.
The department had previously received a complaint involving the same mother, prompting a social worker to retrieve the existing file before proceeding with the latest matter.
SAPS said the child was at home with her mother, who instructed her to look after a one-year-old child while she went out to consume alcohol.
“It is alleged that the victim was at home with her mother, who instructed her to look after a one-year-old child while she went out to consume alcohol,” SAPS said.
The mother subsequently assaulted the child by kicking her with booted feet, resulting in an injury to her eye.
A case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) was opened and assigned to Detective Constable Moeti of the Phuthaditjhaba Family, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
The matter was prosecuted by the National Prosecuting Authority, with Magistrate Msimanga presiding and Prosecutor Ms Nteo representing the State.
The court suspended the six-month prison sentence for five years on condition that the woman is not convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period.
SAPS welcomed the sentence and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and vulnerable members of society.
“The South African Police Service welcomes the sentence and reiterates its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of violence against vulnerable members of society are brought before the courts,” the police said.
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Picture: Facebook / SAPS
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
