Cape Town — The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe was deeply concerned following the death of a six-month-old baby who was neglected by her mother.
In a statement, police said a 23-year-old woman was arrested for child neglect after she had indulged in a drinking spree.
“On Saturday 12 October 2024, at approximately 23:00, police responded to a complaint at Atok village in Apel, Sekhukhune District, where they discovered the lifeless body of the infant. Reports indicate that the mother left the child in the care of a 12-year-old sibling on 10 October 2024, at around 09:00,” police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said.
Hadebe urged communities and families to prioritise the health and well-being of children and to report any cases of neglect to the authorities.
“This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the responsibilities of parenthood and the devastating consequences that can arise from negligence,” Hadebe added.
The suspect will appear before Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 October 2024.
#sapsLIM A six-month-old baby died at Atok village in Apel, Sekhukhune District after he was allegedly left unattended by his mother while she engaged in a drinking spree. Reports indicate that the mother left the child in the care of a 12-year-old sibling. A woman (23) has… pic.twitter.com/mvxbTXIh8W
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 13, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
