Heartbreak as Mom Kills Her Baby During Child Protection Week

The heartbreaking killing of an 11-month-old baby in Limpopo… by his own mother is shining the spotlight on the safety of children in South Africa, as the country marks Child Protection Week.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) reported on Sunday that a 42-year-old woman had locked herself and her 11-month-old son inside a hut, and start to beat the child.

Neighbours heard the frantic cries of the baby and rushed to the house, where they managed to break down the locked door and rescue the badly injured baby from his mom. Sadly, although  the baby was rushed to a local clinic, he was declared dead on arrival.

Limpopo MEC for Social Development, Nkakareng Rakgoale, expressed shock at the incident, which took place while SA is commemorating Child Protection Week.

“The Department of Social Development is saddened by the death of this 11-month-old baby. What is worrying is that the incident happens at a time we are supposed to be showing love and appreciation to children, our gifts from God.

“Child abuse must come to an end.

“We urge parents, who have problems with their children or in their relationships, not to resort to violence but to approach our social workers for an intervention.

“Let us use Child Protection Week to redouble our efforts in protecting and caring for children, as the law demands of us.”

The Department of Social Development has dispatched a team of social workers to Halambani Tswinganani village to provide psychosocial support to the family of the deceased baby.

“Social workers will provide psychosocial support to all the parties that have been affected by this sad incident,” Rakgoale said. – SAnews.gov.za