MEC Opens Case Against Parents of 7-Year-Old Abused by Stepbrother

A case of child abuse and neglect has been officially opened, at the Mehlomnyama police station in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), against the parents of a seven-year-old boy who was badly assaulted by his 17-year-old stepbrother.

KZN Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza, has opened the case after shocking pictures went viral on social media, showing the young boy’s bruises.

Khoza, together with local mayors, held a meeting with police management on Tuesday following reports that the police had allegedly arrested the stepbrother, but then released him without the parole officer’s consent, urging the family to “settle it as a family”.

Khoza said although the police had done their job to arrest the perpetrator, the department is concerned about the decision to release him.

“It is unacceptable that a child can suffer such injuries in the presence of an older person at home,” Khoza said, and raised concerns about what kind of circumstances led to the stepbrother being so violent. The child was taken to hospital for medical attention.

Fortunately social workers managed to trace the boy’s biological mother at Ntumeni, Eshowe; and he has been united with his mom who travelled from Eshowe after social workers contacted her.

Khoza said he has met with the child at a place of safety where he’s being accommodated. “We are happy that the child was removed from that toxic environment and is now united with his mother. We will be observing the child at the place of safety before any other option can be explored, including allowing him to go stay with his mother.

“We are happy to see the child playing after he has gone through such an ordeal. The child is now in safe hands,” Khoza said.

Citizens commended for interest in child’s wellbeing

Khoza has commended local citizens, who showed such an interest in the wellbeing of the child.

“We are more grateful to the whistle-blower who refused to sit back while a child suffered. Our social workers have also been assigned to assess the alleged perpetrator,” the MEC said. – SANews.gov.za